Whatever happened to that 10 point list of issues that had to be resolved eh Dunc?
Has he actually read the agreement because there are going to be surprises down the line when BASSA disappears, staff travel does not come back straight away and BA asks for more productivity improvements to fund the payrise.
In the aftermath of yesterday’s “meeting in a tent” to quote C4, I thought perhaps timely to give you my personal view of where we are in the light that all members will now be balloted on the settlement document. I have just this morning read it myself for the first time, I know you are all anxious to see the small print and all being well we should be in a position to publish it on the website around noon on Monday. We did promise BA that it would have a synchronised release and that is the earliest date all sides are able to come up with and also we have yet to go through it with the reps so they can answer your questions etc when the time comes.
I have to say - speaking as a “pink-jacketed militant” - I am really comfortable with everything I have seen, I think it is a honourable conclusion to what has been a bloody battle. Compared to where we were last October this document is unrecognisable and I sincerely believe it offers all the desired safeguards and protections you have fought for and suffered for. I was very wholesome in my praise of Nigel, Chris and Len yesterday because they all deserve it, but I have got to say it seems to me that finally we have a man running BA who has some empathy with what we try to do on your behalf and some recognition that we can work together for the greater good. I don’t want to embarrass Mr Williams, and no doubt my endorsement will cause him to shift uncomfortably in his seat, but everything that has been passed back to me from those at the coal face convinces me that we now have now a leader with a genuine desire for peace and a determination to ensure the mistakes of the past are learnt from. You only have to look at the sensible language of the document to realise we are now dealing with someone who realises being fair and respectful of his employees is the most practical way forward. He has already gone a long way to earn the trust of three people I trust and that is good enough for me.
I would like to say a few words about LGW. I know the reps and those brave souls who did take industrial action feel deserted now BA have announced they are to form their own NSP but I feel they have nothing to fear. Nothing down there will change, they will still be operating exactly as they have over the last few years and indeed that document gives them as much protection as it does the members at LHR. They will have their own branch, constitution etc and I have offered my help in setting up any structures they feel they need. All 3 reps backed the action and have supported me on a personal level. They are good people and LGW cabin crew will be wise to adopt them as their new leadership, certainly to start with. The reality is however, if we had tried to resist BA’s plans it could have meant balloting LHR crews to go on strike on behalf of a base that in reality did not support us; no matter how much we try and defend what is right we have got to be pragmatic as well.
In some ways I am sorry to be leaving because I really believe this agreement will soothe troubled waters that have been far too choppy for far too long. There will be, as Len mentioned yesterday, further spats but with a trusting relationship being created for the first time in many years, life should be a lot less stressful for everybody.
As I looked out upon that massive gathering yesterday I really did feel quite emotional. The responsibility of encouraging a workforce to take strike action and all that involves was not one that sat lightly on my shoulders despite everything that has been said in other quarters. There wasn’t a night over the last year and a half where I did not doubt the direction we were all heading and I know my fellow reps all had similar concerns. But I felt we had no choice and also we would not have another chance to resist something I felt was intrinsically unjust. I am not afraid to say that I would do it all again because I genuinely believe it was the only option - I am only sorry there were so many casualties. So many of you told me yesterday how unwell this dispute had made you; it was very sobering listening.
I have certainly had my eyes opened over these last few years. I have learnt a lot about certain colleagues within BA, I have been educated about the judiciary system in this country and I have learnt a lot about how the media works. But most of all I have learnt a lot about myself and 7000 BA crew and it is those two learning curves that will stay with me the longest.
I realise that the fat lady has yet to clear her throat and there is the not unimportant matter of a ballot before this deal can be ratified. It is important that everyone has a voice and the majority decision is respected. That will happen over the next month. Please participate.
One good thing if this dispute is finally over, is I can get cracking on putting the tomatoes into the grow bags, think about going on a diet - I put on 3lbs just standing next to the burger van yesterday, and hopefully start being a bit nicer to my family, now there is not so much to get stressed about.
Finally I know a lot of you have lots of questions as to how this is all going to pan out “logistics” wise, especially those who have been disciplined during the dispute but some of the fine detail has yet to be explained to those that will be involved and of course the deal has not yet been signed off so please bear with everyone while ducks are put in a row.
Have a good weekend, especially those going to Andrea’s party and thank you all for your support without which we will not have come so far.
Rgds Duncan