I have followed this thread for some time now, and I have a feeling it's over for BASSA. Let's hope the many dedicated BA cabin crew who have suffered through all the egotistical ramblings are able to find proper union representation after all this is finished.
Many thanks to
Mr Bernoulli for linking to thread I started on another forum, where I set out some of the reasons why I believe BASSA is now scuppered, based on an inability to keep accurate membership records (calling into doubt the validity of any future ballot) and that even if such a ballot was supported by the Electoral Reform Service there is plentiful evidence that BASSA and Unite would be engaging in action with would be "unprotected":
Discussion - Business Traveller
Here is the government's definition of the criteria for "unprotected action" which BASSA has refused to publicise amongst its membership:
Taking part in industrial action : Directgov - Employment
I would strongly caution anyone considering making a Tax Evasion allegation that there is no evidence whatsoever for such an allegation against anybody. Making a knowingly false accusation would likely be looked upon most seriously.
To
BASSAswitch, I would ensure you have something in writing from Unite confirming you made a formal request today, 15 February 2011, for BASSA's accounts, as well as specifying the years for which you expect accounts to be furnished to you. It might also be as well to understand how these records will be made available (electronically, on paper via a viewing etc.) and whether you will be able to make copies of the records.
There can be some debate as to what actually constitutes accounting records; you should quote the phrase "The report should show income, expenditure, receipts, membership numbers, details of branch auditors, details of any bank accounts and accounts including those relating to BASSA and its connected entities".
Ensure you have a name and contact number, and that you chase three or four times in the next 28 days to ensure the request is being progressed.
I would also suggest calling the two audit firms responsible for approving the Unite accounts as most helpfully suggested by
summerishere. The auditors' contact details are set out below:
HW Fisher & Sons
http://www.hwfisher.co.uk/site/cms/c...p?category=256
Hard Dowdy
Hard Dowdy Accountants
It might be as well to line up a qualified accountant to assist you in understanding any documentation which you do get to see, in case BASSA refuse to release publicly their accounts.
I am astounded despite all the murmurings on the various sites out there that it has taken this long for someone to actually pick up the phone and make such an enquiry, so congratulations for taking the initiative and indeed for braving what may well be a difficult few weeks as a consequence. Roll on 15 March!
I don't often see the Final Offer BA made to Unite quoted here, so here it is, as it's fundamental to the resolution of this dispute and speaking (as a passenger) to crew on board my most recent flights not all of them have actually read it (again, it amazes me that those affected don't even read the offer their union refused to put before them...):
http://www.uniteba.com/ESW/Files/151...llectivev6.doc
Finally, I will leave you with these words:
"Strikers are deluded if they think they can win".
And that's not my opinion, that's the opinion of Derek Simpson, Unite General Secretary:
Unite 4 Labour in Edinburgh: Derek Simpson fails to deliver|17Apr10|Socialist Worker
It's a real shame BASSA has dragged Trade Unionism back into the dark ages of the 1970s through their intransigence and incompetence.