British Airways - CC Industrial Relations & Negotiations
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British Airways Christmas Strikes: A Cabin Crew Member Tells Sky News Why He Is Voting To Strike | Business | Sky News
From the above web link on Sky News from a BA Crew Member:
Er yes Ryanair and Easyjet are BA's competitors....... I don't see Lufthansa and AF/KLM dominating European routes out of other London Airports!!!
From the above web link on Sky News from a BA Crew Member:
When Willie Walsh says we're working in a hugely changed business because of the likes of Easyjet and Ryanair it's misleading.
Our competitors aren't these European carriers. It's companies like Air France and KLM. They all have better employment conditions than BA cabin crew staff.
Our competitors aren't these European carriers. It's companies like Air France and KLM. They all have better employment conditions than BA cabin crew staff.
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3250? That's more than WW needs to lose from the business. Please remember that WW will find it cheaper to sack any strikers than issue VR payments... how many VR applicants will be able to vote for a strike? (answer = 0)
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Our competitors aren't these European carriers. It's companies like Air France and KLM. They all have better employment conditions than BA cabin crew staff.
I think BA should tell BASSA that they'll give in and all Cabin Crew will get a 150% pay rise and 400 days a year holiday. BASSA's leadership are so out of touch with facts it will take them years to realise and the traveling public will not have to suffer a Christmas of discontent!
Nuff said!
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This is now officially beyond the ridiculous. It doesn't matter how many people turned up today. I have a fair few friends who went just to see what all the fuss was about. They didn't applaud, cheer or any other "lemming" behaviour. They just observed, and I'm sure others did too. I would have liked to go (just for the comedy factor) but alas, I had to do a lovely band 4 flight.
Unite has stated they'll pay £30 per day in strike money. I'm assuming this is per person (
). The question is, however: Will each member have to prove they are striking by signing in at the picket line? Or will all members be paid, regardless what they do (although not strike breaking of course). If the latter is the case, I fear that Unite will be bankrupt pretty quickly. I can't see Unite members from other sectors agreeing to their subs being used in this manner.
Whilst in principle I don't agree with imposition, I can understand where it's coming from. There is a question though, that seems to have escaped everyone, and that is: In regards to NewFleet, will this be implemented at LHR only, or will it apply to LGW as well? I don't know if anyone's asked the question before, but (to me anyway) it's a valid question. Considering LGW will be on less money than NewFleet (believe it or not), I can't see it happening, although one can never be sure.
As of now, this is a waiting game. Are Bassa still going to court on Thursday? Will the strike be legal in the first place? etc etc.
It has been mentioned countless times before, but very worrying times ahead. Customers won't be booking flights. We'll get ever more bad press. We'll lose the little faith customers had in us, and it's a downward spiral from there. Less aircraft and crew needed. More job losses. The list is endless. I do think that strikers (if it gets that far) will receive a P45 fast. It may not be legal or ethical, but I don't think WW cares at this point. Any sickness on strike days will be counted as gross misconduct (as we were informed by WW months ago), and result in disciplinary/P45.
To the militants: Be careful what you wish for.
Gg
Unite has stated they'll pay £30 per day in strike money. I'm assuming this is per person (
). The question is, however: Will each member have to prove they are striking by signing in at the picket line? Or will all members be paid, regardless what they do (although not strike breaking of course). If the latter is the case, I fear that Unite will be bankrupt pretty quickly. I can't see Unite members from other sectors agreeing to their subs being used in this manner. Whilst in principle I don't agree with imposition, I can understand where it's coming from. There is a question though, that seems to have escaped everyone, and that is: In regards to NewFleet, will this be implemented at LHR only, or will it apply to LGW as well? I don't know if anyone's asked the question before, but (to me anyway) it's a valid question. Considering LGW will be on less money than NewFleet (believe it or not), I can't see it happening, although one can never be sure.
As of now, this is a waiting game. Are Bassa still going to court on Thursday? Will the strike be legal in the first place? etc etc.
It has been mentioned countless times before, but very worrying times ahead. Customers won't be booking flights. We'll get ever more bad press. We'll lose the little faith customers had in us, and it's a downward spiral from there. Less aircraft and crew needed. More job losses. The list is endless. I do think that strikers (if it gets that far) will receive a P45 fast. It may not be legal or ethical, but I don't think WW cares at this point. Any sickness on strike days will be counted as gross misconduct (as we were informed by WW months ago), and result in disciplinary/P45.
To the militants: Be careful what you wish for.
Gg
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GlamGirl
I have read your posts over a long period and always thought that you presented a balanced and fair view of the World. I sincerely hope that you represent the silence majority for all our sakes!
I have read your posts over a long period and always thought that you presented a balanced and fair view of the World. I sincerely hope that you represent the silence majority for all our sakes!
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CFC : Asian and Gulf based carriers cabin crews unable to maintain a conversation and BA wonderful at it? A very stereotypical , even racist view of the superiority of the BA ladies and gents I have to say. Very few of these seem to make much effort at conversation other than between each other in the galley. Some do but a lot don't-and visibly don't want to. The same goes for safety. The record of these carriers is very little different to BA. It's no use slagging off the low costs as inferior socially or safety-wise either. Very often they are much more friendly, cheerfully do what they are meant to do and a pleasure to fly with.
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30 quid a day, blinding, but not for long I would guess.
I cannot for a second understand why anyone in the current world economic climate would think a strike is the way ahead, least of all if they worked for BA. Perhaps their head has been clouded at all those nice hotels and exotic stop overs, thats not the real world right now boys and girls. Somebody has to pay for all that and current passenger yields can't afford it, something has to give, one way or another.
At best they will have to suffer further privations to make up for the loss of revenue, at worst they'll be looking for new jobs come new year. Barking, but then remember those winners in the fire service, or the miners perhaps. This will end in tears for a lot of people - not the unions obviously.
I cannot for a second understand why anyone in the current world economic climate would think a strike is the way ahead, least of all if they worked for BA. Perhaps their head has been clouded at all those nice hotels and exotic stop overs, thats not the real world right now boys and girls. Somebody has to pay for all that and current passenger yields can't afford it, something has to give, one way or another.
At best they will have to suffer further privations to make up for the loss of revenue, at worst they'll be looking for new jobs come new year. Barking, but then remember those winners in the fire service, or the miners perhaps. This will end in tears for a lot of people - not the unions obviously.
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Whats the betting this crew are first out the door...
Some comments from the adoring public, you know the ones who pay your wages... I bet these same people accuse politicians of not being in touch with real people. Nothing like never missing and opportunity to miss an opportunity.
I have just flown twice long haul with BA. I have to say the crew are soooooooo old in comparison to every other airline in the world. This is supposed to be a job for lovely ladies to see the world while they are young. Not a bunch of over weight ,bored, grumpy old people geting paid too much for waitress job. If it's so bad please please retire and get some fresh faces in!!!
- BP, Bahrain, 02/11/2009 19:22
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BA on strike over Christmas? Again? What a shocker!
Good thing I have up flying with this miserable lot a long time ago. Mr Branson has been getting my flight bucks for the past few years and will continue to do so.
World's favourite airline my eye!
- Nicholas, London, 02/11/2009 18:39
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All BA plans to do is remove one member of the cabin crew from each flight. FACT - The most expensive member of the cabin crew on board the aircraft is the CSD, they earn approx 60K - please refer to the CAA web site as all pay scales are published there. The CSD position is currently a NON-WORKING position meaning they spent a considerable amount of time in their office taking NO active part in the meal service. BA now wants the CSD to take part in service and actually serve a drink or two. This is what the senior crew are so outraged at being asked by BA to actually earn their money!!! Existing Senior BA crew on old contracts have already failed the junior new contract crew by voting in poorer contracts for them a number of years back - BA is now only trying to bring ALL crew in-line with a common contract. These service patterns are all working well at LGW already with crew working happily on the new contracts. This dispute is about laziness and pure greed by senior BA CSD's.
- lala lady, la la land, 02/11/2009 18:29
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Simply suicide to go on strike!
Willie has plans for them that is for sure.
I just flew on BA and the service was seemless! Sadly too many crew and groundstaff think costomers are doing them a favour by travelling and the unions need to realise BA is no longer nationalised and there will be NO goverment bail out.
As with the post office come into the real world or be without a job.
I understand for tokyo route Virgin pay crews £190 BA pay crews £850.
So union how do you make yourself competetive????
- single guy, horsham, 02/11/2009 18:21
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I booked other airlines for our family holidays - especially last Xmas and this coming Xmas - because we do NOT want any of our holidays ruined. Also we save hundreds of dollars by not booking or flying on BA.
Sorry BA, but we're finished with you. You spend millions and millions renovating and upgrading the First and Business Classes so they are superior to other airlines', BUT guess what? Your Economy classes are worse than other airlines' - cramped and very well used sunken seats. And your lowest Econ fares are often higher than other airlines.
- Ann, Expat Bermuda, 02/11/2009 18:07
Some comments from the adoring public, you know the ones who pay your wages... I bet these same people accuse politicians of not being in touch with real people. Nothing like never missing and opportunity to miss an opportunity.
I have just flown twice long haul with BA. I have to say the crew are soooooooo old in comparison to every other airline in the world. This is supposed to be a job for lovely ladies to see the world while they are young. Not a bunch of over weight ,bored, grumpy old people geting paid too much for waitress job. If it's so bad please please retire and get some fresh faces in!!!
- BP, Bahrain, 02/11/2009 19:22
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BA on strike over Christmas? Again? What a shocker!
Good thing I have up flying with this miserable lot a long time ago. Mr Branson has been getting my flight bucks for the past few years and will continue to do so.
World's favourite airline my eye!
- Nicholas, London, 02/11/2009 18:39
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All BA plans to do is remove one member of the cabin crew from each flight. FACT - The most expensive member of the cabin crew on board the aircraft is the CSD, they earn approx 60K - please refer to the CAA web site as all pay scales are published there. The CSD position is currently a NON-WORKING position meaning they spent a considerable amount of time in their office taking NO active part in the meal service. BA now wants the CSD to take part in service and actually serve a drink or two. This is what the senior crew are so outraged at being asked by BA to actually earn their money!!! Existing Senior BA crew on old contracts have already failed the junior new contract crew by voting in poorer contracts for them a number of years back - BA is now only trying to bring ALL crew in-line with a common contract. These service patterns are all working well at LGW already with crew working happily on the new contracts. This dispute is about laziness and pure greed by senior BA CSD's.
- lala lady, la la land, 02/11/2009 18:29
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Simply suicide to go on strike!
Willie has plans for them that is for sure.
I just flew on BA and the service was seemless! Sadly too many crew and groundstaff think costomers are doing them a favour by travelling and the unions need to realise BA is no longer nationalised and there will be NO goverment bail out.
As with the post office come into the real world or be without a job.
I understand for tokyo route Virgin pay crews £190 BA pay crews £850.
So union how do you make yourself competetive????
- single guy, horsham, 02/11/2009 18:21
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I booked other airlines for our family holidays - especially last Xmas and this coming Xmas - because we do NOT want any of our holidays ruined. Also we save hundreds of dollars by not booking or flying on BA.
Sorry BA, but we're finished with you. You spend millions and millions renovating and upgrading the First and Business Classes so they are superior to other airlines', BUT guess what? Your Economy classes are worse than other airlines' - cramped and very well used sunken seats. And your lowest Econ fares are often higher than other airlines.
- Ann, Expat Bermuda, 02/11/2009 18:07
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ryanair crew
Just returned from a ryanair flight to europe, the poor crew going to berlin and back tonight before they knocked off, please dont be complacent flyingchick about your customers loving you, its not a dig at BA, Ive used many airlines, but there are ,attentive smiling helpful charming crew from ryanair who would take new fleet in a minute and provide an excellent service. I dont like using stansted, and ryanair seats arent as nice, but these are the best crew I ever had, and if they replaced you I dont think service would suffer, I think it would be improved, think twice before you strike, there are others working harder than you , for less money, who would take your place.
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Re 3250 attendees...
Having a look at some of the photos from today's meeting I doubt whether all that turned up are serving CC, however, it was an impressive display of numbers none the less.
There are a lot of ex Virgin CC and FC that have yet to find employment - it's a tough job market out there at the moment in aviation.
Having a look at some of the photos from today's meeting I doubt whether all that turned up are serving CC, however, it was an impressive display of numbers none the less.
There are a lot of ex Virgin CC and FC that have yet to find employment - it's a tough job market out there at the moment in aviation.
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Glamgirl isn't the only one with her head screwed on. There are many more of us that are well aware of the need for savings, the dire straits that BA is in, the inability of BASSA to engage in meaningful debate with BA and the very, very serious consequences of striking.
Even if I agreed with BASSA's stance (I don't) there's no way I'd risk my career over these changes. I believe that (in the unlikely event that BASSA's campaign doesn't die a painful death in court) striking will involve a real and present danger of being sacked. Seriously, do CFC and the like get that? You will likely be sacked. You'll lose everything. Ok, that sacking might be deemed illegal by the courts in a year's time, but the payout you'll get will be sparse and you won't be re-instated.
Now to the strength of the strike vote. Crew on my flight today:
1. Don't agree with strike. NO
2. Don't agree with strike. NO
3. Don't care, not a union member. NO
4. Will vote yes but "I can't afford to strike, so I won't". NO
5. Will vote yes but "I can't afford to strike, so I won't". NO
So, even IF I wanted to strike, I'd certainly re-consider because even people with a vested interest are already admitting that they won't actually strike when push comes to shove.
That should leave a militant few extremely exposed. They should be very, very worried, because their careers could come to a premature end.
However, from a bookings point of view, the damage is already done. How much will WW make innocent crew like myself pay for what BASSA has already cost our ailing airline?
Even if I agreed with BASSA's stance (I don't) there's no way I'd risk my career over these changes. I believe that (in the unlikely event that BASSA's campaign doesn't die a painful death in court) striking will involve a real and present danger of being sacked. Seriously, do CFC and the like get that? You will likely be sacked. You'll lose everything. Ok, that sacking might be deemed illegal by the courts in a year's time, but the payout you'll get will be sparse and you won't be re-instated.
Now to the strength of the strike vote. Crew on my flight today:
1. Don't agree with strike. NO
2. Don't agree with strike. NO
3. Don't care, not a union member. NO
4. Will vote yes but "I can't afford to strike, so I won't". NO
5. Will vote yes but "I can't afford to strike, so I won't". NO
So, even IF I wanted to strike, I'd certainly re-consider because even people with a vested interest are already admitting that they won't actually strike when push comes to shove.
That should leave a militant few extremely exposed. They should be very, very worried, because their careers could come to a premature end.
However, from a bookings point of view, the damage is already done. How much will WW make innocent crew like myself pay for what BASSA has already cost our ailing airline?
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Poor old peter having to take a flight into STN i know what the pilots are like with crew meals but hey upwards of £75,000 and can't afford a ticket into London and would rather go into Essex. Remember BA's pilots union have very little power now hence they got into bed together with BA to help one another out knowing that the army of cabin crew were grouping along with the ground staff. So good to see so many people at Sandown today wouldn't have thought the pilots could muster up such a force even with a weak union base. With the 5th November so close and the 14th December another date for the diary stand firm we have a union which have made great gains to protect our T&C lets fight the fight and in our union we must trust.