Sigh. More mixed messages again. Unless Unite reigns in the branches, I can see history repeating itself....
6th May 2011 - Update & Members meeting
As you will have seen from the recent Unite press release, clarity surrounding the extension previously agreed to our industrial action ballot has now been agreed with British Airways to be midnight on 15th of May.
However, it is the intention not to follow the pattern of recent failed negotiations and to move away from any degree of last minute brinkmanship from either side.
With this in mind, it is very important we update you on what has happened and what will now happen.
Talks have continued this week; again some positive progress has been made. Yet it would also be fair to say there still remain several significant challenges to overcome.
Talks will therefore continue today and tomorrow, there will then be a final effort commencing Sunday evening and ending Tuesday Night. The old adage that "if there is a will, there is way" could not be more apt and we will not need any longer, to know if this is the case.
To repeat, it is both sides' intention to conclude discussion by midnight on Tuesday.
On Wednesday morning the CC89 Negotiating Committee will be briefed on progress achieved, On Wednesday afternoon ALL reps will meet to also be briefed.
The next day, Thursday 12th May at 11.30am, a meeting is already planned for all members. Venue currently TBA.
At this meeting you will be fully updated on our progress and asked to make a decision on whether to proceed with strike action or alternatively to put any settlement offer achieved to a postal ballot of all members. It is that simple.
We do not need to emphasise the importance of this meeting and indeed the decision to be taken, we will hope to see you there.