Lets end this A+E doctors diversion.
It has been well recognised by the UK public that they are overworked already for a very long time.
It's not a case of 'Wildcat action being a smart move' .
It is a case of ordinary overworked , overstretched people being pushed beyond an unimaginable working pattern for the rest of their careers / lives.
British Airways staff have already made many sacrifices which have saved the airline £1BILLION in 18 months.
They have already made a manpower reduction already of 10,000 people.
They're operating more services than ever , with ever increasing expectations and the staff have accepted that and adapted.
Staff are working much harder than ever, and have been co-operative throughout the entire process.
They are now at a point where fatigue and stress are commonplace.
(Even the pilots sickness is the highest ever reportedly , despite a recent pay incentive).
The latest proposals represent a very disruptive working pattern / significant payloss for groundstaff.
For the cabin crew ,where significant crew reductions onboard have already taken place - another crew member is wanted off by the management.
This would mean 3 crew on A319/A320/737 - with 2 premium cabins and a FULL and proposed enhanced service - 1 crew member doing an entire economy cabin by themselves with a hot meal service etc . . . 7 crew on a 767-300. . . . 12 on a 744. . . 4 on a 757. . . .
Enough is enough - the staff are infuriated and astounded by the proposals - it is a true insult after the efforts made over the last 18 months and continual adjustments.(with no pay increase for 3 years).
Nobody wants to listen and so its not wildcat action - dedicated , overstretched and demoralised staff have been pushed over the brink.
Would you accept a HUGE and unreasonable difference to your future career or lives just lying down? NO.
Would you want to work 60 hour weeks with less than the crucial amount of crew for the next 30 years ?NO.
Would you want to be sent home from any job after 1 hour , and only paid for that?NO
Would you then come in the next day,on a regular shift and then be told you are doing 16 hours instead on a regular basis ?NO.
At the moment staff are given the impression that there is no room for negotiation . All falls wilfully on deaf ears.
Alot of listening needs to be done, compromises made and a successful out come for BA's Customers and Staff alike.
Last edited by Anti-ice; 19th Jul 2003 at 21:51.