BA IR issues
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Is it worth the risk?
I have it on good authortity that WW has plans to sack any crew who are striking. Whilst BASSA keep saying it is not possible to be sacked, any employment lawyer will tell you otherwise and BA know that. All dismissals during the strike will be automatically deemed unfair and crew will have the option to take BA to an employment tribunal. This will have to be privately funded (legal aid not available) Crew may however have the option to sue BASSA for informing them incorrectly about this situation. Willie is prepared to make an example out of the first few hundred who don't report for duty. This, in the grand scheme of things, adds up to very little in unfair dismissal claims. (max £60000) Realistically cabin crew could expect a payout of between £8000 and £30000 depending on length of service.
He will have broken the strike on the first day as crew won't hesitate to report to work on day two after seeing their collegues sacked and there will then be a massive distrust between CC and BASSA. Crew will withdraw support from BASSA and BASSA will effectively be finished.
In the short term there are still many LGW crew who are fully trained on the 777 and 747 who could be used in the short term till those dismissed could be replaced with new entrants. With a weakened union and a strong if not ruthless BA management team in control very few would be brave enough to take them on , not just cabin crew but all areas of the company.
Just a piece of advice to any cabin crew thinking of striking, it may be well worth a quick phone call to a solicitor or citizens advice to confirm the facts regarding diamissal during legal industrial action.
He will have broken the strike on the first day as crew won't hesitate to report to work on day two after seeing their collegues sacked and there will then be a massive distrust between CC and BASSA. Crew will withdraw support from BASSA and BASSA will effectively be finished.
In the short term there are still many LGW crew who are fully trained on the 777 and 747 who could be used in the short term till those dismissed could be replaced with new entrants. With a weakened union and a strong if not ruthless BA management team in control very few would be brave enough to take them on , not just cabin crew but all areas of the company.
Just a piece of advice to any cabin crew thinking of striking, it may be well worth a quick phone call to a solicitor or citizens advice to confirm the facts regarding diamissal during legal industrial action.
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Black Baron
If WW carried out the action of sacking strikers, I would imagine it would unite every unionised worker in every department throughout BA. A direct attack on a legal strike undermines every union within BA whether you agree with the BASSA position or not.
I think that BASSA might cover the legal aid side of things.
If WW carried out the action of sacking strikers, I would imagine it would unite every unionised worker in every department throughout BA. A direct attack on a legal strike undermines every union within BA whether you agree with the BASSA position or not.
I think that BASSA might cover the legal aid side of things.
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Yes I do, such a shame at the moment though, great airline, the best routes, best terms and conditions yet some of the most ungrateful employees. Still it will all be over soon and we can all look for jobs somewhere else.
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Don't trust anyone!
Hate to admit it, but sounds like a jolly good plan to me? Why would BA even have to let it go to court? Surely they would settle outside and save more money? Whats a few hundred crew? I do feel that BASSA have not informed crew of all the facts. They have been lenient with the truth. They consistently deny that staff could be sacked, but they can be! This risk should be known to the cc so they can at least weigh it up themselves. Most of them would probabaly still choose to strike, but at least they would be under no illusion that it could go either way. Whether Barons theory is right or not, BA will pull out every trick in the book and one way or another, WW needs to find a way of successfully challenging the unions and with neither side perpared to back down, it's going to be handbags at dawn!! 
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OK folks I attended an open meeting yesterday with Simon Talling Smith,Genaeral Manager of Cabin Crew.
He was asked if crew could/would be sacked if they went on strike?.
His answer was a clear NO as the strike was legal.
WTDWL.
He was asked if crew could/would be sacked if they went on strike?.
His answer was a clear NO as the strike was legal.
WTDWL.
Couldonlyaffordafiver
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Best he reads THIS then (about half way down).
A tribunal would automatically rule that the dismissal was unfair as the action is legal. However, there is no automatic right to reinstatement and the compensation is limited.
The consequences for employees of taking industrial action
Employees who take industrial action will know that there may be damaging financial consequences for them, since they are unlikely to receive any pay if they withdraw their labour. They should also be aware that they are putting their jobs at risk.
An employer may take various measures, up to and including dismissal, against any employee who takes industrial action. An employee who is dismissed by his employer while taking industrial action may lose his right to claim unfair dismissal.
Employees who take industrial action will know that there may be damaging financial consequences for them, since they are unlikely to receive any pay if they withdraw their labour. They should also be aware that they are putting their jobs at risk.
An employer may take various measures, up to and including dismissal, against any employee who takes industrial action. An employee who is dismissed by his employer while taking industrial action may lose his right to claim unfair dismissal.
Last edited by Human Factor; 23rd Jan 2007 at 20:42. Reason: DTI link added
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Lite
'If WW carried out the action of sacking strikers, I would imagine it would unite every unionised worker in every department throughout BA. A direct attack on a legal strike undermines every union within BA whether you agree with the BASSA position or not.'
BA workers exit stage left, enter stage right 'Eastern EU workers'
Just a real silly thought.
Lite, look at unionised industries in the UK that go before you. All failed, all blamed the management when they did.
BA is no bigeer than Rover?
BA workers exit stage left, enter stage right 'Eastern EU workers'
Just a real silly thought.
Lite, look at unionised industries in the UK that go before you. All failed, all blamed the management when they did.
BA is no bigeer than Rover?
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Of course they can sack anybody. You can speed, steel, kill even, but it is not legal and therefore you will suffer the consequence!. If you are paid money in compensation for being sacked unfairly, then the company has broken the law, that is why you are being compensated.
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Can anyone actually provide details of when BA last sacked workers for LEGAL industrial actions??? Also when Willie Walsh sacked people for LEGAL industrial action...he didnt do it in EI!
Scare mongerers are pathetic, they really are!
Scare mongerers are pathetic, they really are!
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Boredcounter
Its coz I'm a leftie tradesunionist. I fully understand that probably a majority of the people who have voted to strike, would not back any one else, but it doesn't mean I can't!!!
Its coz I'm a leftie tradesunionist. I fully understand that probably a majority of the people who have voted to strike, would not back any one else, but it doesn't mean I can't!!!
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Sackings
As mentioned by several others, crew who strike can be sacked. Whether STS said "No, we won't sack anyone" at the meeting or not, crew can still be sacked. And you can bet your bottom dollar that there's a big team going through everyone's files at the moment, looking for even the smallest excuse for getting rid of strikers.
The more I hear/read, the more annoyed I get. Most Yes voters don't even know the reasons why they said yes. I've been on to the bassa forum, where I got such a bashing for having a different opinion. The behaviour of the members of that forum has left me so disgusted that I'm now leaving bassa because I felt bullied by my so-called colleagues (so much for them being bullied by management). By one poster, I was told "nobody likes you, nobody cares about you, why don't you just F*** off?". So much for being adults, eh?
I can't believe these people may lose me my job.
For the record I really like our girls and boys who wear stripes (well, most of them anyway). We have some great times on the 73, and I usually come back from work with a smile on my face
(for the record, not THAT kind of smile 
)
The more I hear/read, the more annoyed I get. Most Yes voters don't even know the reasons why they said yes. I've been on to the bassa forum, where I got such a bashing for having a different opinion. The behaviour of the members of that forum has left me so disgusted that I'm now leaving bassa because I felt bullied by my so-called colleagues (so much for them being bullied by management). By one poster, I was told "nobody likes you, nobody cares about you, why don't you just F*** off?". So much for being adults, eh?
I can't believe these people may lose me my job.
For the record I really like our girls and boys who wear stripes (well, most of them anyway). We have some great times on the 73, and I usually come back from work with a smile on my face
(for the record, not THAT kind of smile )
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It's interesting that BA are still taking bookings for the strike days during the 2nd and 3rd periods but not the first.
A few sackings will certainly focus the minds on days 2 and 3!
A few sackings will certainly focus the minds on days 2 and 3!
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GlamGirl
Having read your provocative comments on the bassa website I can say that members were not annoyed at your stance more at your tone. Winding up members of the forum was never going to go down well. I respect your decision not to strike even if I think its shortsighted. But your attitude sucks. Those people you refer to will not loose you your job , more like they will enable you to keep doing a job I guess you Like I love.
Having read your provocative comments on the bassa website I can say that members were not annoyed at your stance more at your tone. Winding up members of the forum was never going to go down well. I respect your decision not to strike even if I think its shortsighted. But your attitude sucks. Those people you refer to will not loose you your job , more like they will enable you to keep doing a job I guess you Like I love.
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Glamgirl
I've had a peek on the BASSA forum, courtesy of an old "Auntie" of mine, I bet some of the rubbish on there makes you want to cry! Contrary opinions not required or accepted on that site.
And how about this sparkling gem.
If she really believes that, perhaps Twisted Diamond Dolly might be interested in buying a half share in the Brooklyn Bridge from me.
Lemmings!
I've had a peek on the BASSA forum, courtesy of an old "Auntie" of mine, I bet some of the rubbish on there makes you want to cry! Contrary opinions not required or accepted on that site.
And how about this sparkling gem.
Those people you refer to will not loose you your job , more like they will enable you to keep doing a job I guess you Like I love.
If she really believes that, perhaps Twisted Diamond Dolly might be interested in buying a half share in the Brooklyn Bridge from me.
Lemmings!
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GlamGirl
Having read your provocative comments on the bassa website I can say that members were not annoyed at your stance more at your tone. Winding up members of the forum was never going to go down well. I respect your decision not to strike even if I think its shortsighted. But your attitude sucks. Those people you refer to will not loose you your job , more like they will enable you to keep doing a job I guess you Like I love.
Having read your provocative comments on the bassa website I can say that members were not annoyed at your stance more at your tone. Winding up members of the forum was never going to go down well. I respect your decision not to strike even if I think its shortsighted. But your attitude sucks. Those people you refer to will not loose you your job , more like they will enable you to keep doing a job I guess you Like I love.
Whats interesting is that the bassa forum has become a complete rant against ANYTHING or ANYBODY that even dares to say one word against the mighty bassa. The problem is that a lot of bassa's members don't realise that their union is political in many ways and MOST of the 12 points they are argueing about are nonsence in the big scheme of life.
Twisted diamonddolly - look at the big picture out there, the real world. Its dammed hard I can tell you. Glamgirl - well done for standing up for yourself.
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Glamgirl, not sure who you are but from one of the 'stripey ones' -Well Done!!
I just wish that everyone had your attitude,a real breath of fresh air, I know most do and here's to hoping we can keep our little community at LGW intact.
I just wish that everyone had your attitude,a real breath of fresh air, I know most do and here's to hoping we can keep our little community at LGW intact.
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so if ww has cancelled all the services out of london on the strike days, how is he going to know who is striking and who isn't?
he can't expect a crew to turn up for a canceled flight/trip
he can't expect a crew to turn up for a canceled flight/trip
Last edited by Dozza2k; 25th Jan 2007 at 11:02.