British Airways - CC Industrial Relations Mk V
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SALISBURY
Age: 76
Posts: 706
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm an ex Raf Nav who is a trained DGs instructor & has done all the CAA fire & first aid courses. I'm over 60 but I'll volunteer to work for nothing. I'll do anything to show those union 
s that they can't bully their way to ruining this great airline.
s that they can't bully their way to ruining this great airline.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: 45 yards from a tropical beach
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Compare and Contrast
In contrast to the historical British Trades Unions' intransigence, here is an excerpt from today's national press; my bold:
GETTELFINGER
Ron Gettelfinger, president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, is well and truly in the loop at the top of the US motor industry. A former chassis line repairman at a Ford factory in Indiana, the 65-year-old has led America's blue-collar automotive employees for eight years and has emerged from a catastrophic economic year as one of the most powerful men in Detroit.
Known as "the chaplain" for his drink-free, smoke-free habits, Gettelfinger has steered his 513,000 members through a period of drastic job cuts, plant closures and financial hardship. And he has emerged in a remarkable position – his union, through a healthcare benefits trust, has become the part-owner of two of America's big three carmakers. Following a post-bankruptcy restructuring, the UAW is sitting on a 17.5% share in GM and a 55% controlling stake in Chrysler.
"People need to hang in there, to be optimistic," said Gettelfinger, speaking on the fringes of the Detroit show.
"I truly believe, after what we went through in 2008 and 2009, that the worst is over. I feel good about where we are today."
"Every job we save is an important job – that's what we're all about," said Gettelfinger, who makes no apology for making concessions in employment, wages, healthcare and pension benefits.
"If these companies had gone out of business – if GM had collapsed, they would have brought down Chrysler with them. They'd have brought Ford down too..."
GETTELFINGER
Ron Gettelfinger, president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, is well and truly in the loop at the top of the US motor industry. A former chassis line repairman at a Ford factory in Indiana, the 65-year-old has led America's blue-collar automotive employees for eight years and has emerged from a catastrophic economic year as one of the most powerful men in Detroit.
Known as "the chaplain" for his drink-free, smoke-free habits, Gettelfinger has steered his 513,000 members through a period of drastic job cuts, plant closures and financial hardship. And he has emerged in a remarkable position – his union, through a healthcare benefits trust, has become the part-owner of two of America's big three carmakers. Following a post-bankruptcy restructuring, the UAW is sitting on a 17.5% share in GM and a 55% controlling stake in Chrysler.
"People need to hang in there, to be optimistic," said Gettelfinger, speaking on the fringes of the Detroit show.
"I truly believe, after what we went through in 2008 and 2009, that the worst is over. I feel good about where we are today."
"Every job we save is an important job – that's what we're all about," said Gettelfinger, who makes no apology for making concessions in employment, wages, healthcare and pension benefits.
"If these companies had gone out of business – if GM had collapsed, they would have brought down Chrysler with them. They'd have brought Ford down too..."
What surprised me was the number of pilots who, through unsolicited e-mails to management, had already offered to volunteer for such duties
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: england
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As I said earlier today I don't think the strike will happen.
Strangely that post has now been deleted not sre why.
Even more convinced that it will not go ahead.
Usual rubbish being spouted by Bassa about even more reason to vote yes.Couldn't make it up.
Strangely that post has now been deleted not sre why.
Even more convinced that it will not go ahead.
Usual rubbish being spouted by Bassa about even more reason to vote yes.Couldn't make it up.
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can't see any such volunteers being used in big numbers for any length of time..any hours they clock up will be counting toward their monthly/annual limits and will cause the Company further problems down the road...if we are still a going concern...
If theres a strike, it'll fold inside a day. Willie Walsh knows this, and most cabin crew with half a brain know it as well.
When that happens, expect much deeper cuts to working practices and probably pay as well.
Think very, very hard before bitting a cross in the 'Yes' box. I truly believe that if you do you are voting, at the very least for draconian imposed changes to your working practices and at the most, for your P45.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hindhead
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Most of us have about 80 hours or so headroom, so may be able to do something for a few weeks. Some part timers and even some of the recently retired might be there as well.
I'm sorry but I cannot allow the company to which I have given 20+ years of my (and my families) life to to go under due to the unrealistic expectations of one group. This would be the same if it were checkin agents, baggage handlers etc. It is not an anti CC view.
I'm sorry but I cannot allow the company to which I have given 20+ years of my (and my families) life to to go under due to the unrealistic expectations of one group. This would be the same if it were checkin agents, baggage handlers etc. It is not an anti CC view.
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BA to go into administration?
What odds would you give if a strike takes place that BA closes down and then reforms as a new airline with every - yes every - employee having to re-apply under new T & Cs? It could solve a lot of problems. Strikers beware! Just look at the accounts, the losses, the hole in the pension fund, bookings. It is not so extraordinary that it could not happen.
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: An anger-management clinic.
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wiggy, that would surely depend on what contract they're on? It seems that 75%/50%/25% working is the way BA runs its operation. So someone on [or indeed could only get] a 50% contract as a driver airframes might be perfectly happy to fill in the remaining space? Without even getting near CAA limits.
Fincastle, I'm not too sure about geriatric Navs though, although Kipper Fleet's in-flight catering has high esteem. But I applaud the sentiment behind it!
Fincastle, I'm not too sure about geriatric Navs though, although Kipper Fleet's in-flight catering has high esteem. But I applaud the sentiment behind it!
Tiresome
You're right of course...indeed given the need for the CRC process they might be one of the few pools of suitably cleared personnel available at short notice.
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Outside the EU on a small Island
Age: 79
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The British Lion Roars Again!
It's heartwarming to see the support already being expressed here. It's what made Britain, and BA, GREAT.
BA was my airline of choice, but I've been seriously distressed and annoyed by what is going on [to the point of being temporarily barred from this exclusive forum]. To those out there in cyber-space who I have offended, I apologise again.
If BA pulls this off, and does away with the militants who are determined to cripple the company, and put at risk the tens of thousands who rely on BA for their livelihood, I shall be the first [OK, maybe the 47th] to cheer loudly.
Good luck to you all - you may still need it.
BA was my airline of choice, but I've been seriously distressed and annoyed by what is going on [to the point of being temporarily barred from this exclusive forum]. To those out there in cyber-space who I have offended, I apologise again.
If BA pulls this off, and does away with the militants who are determined to cripple the company, and put at risk the tens of thousands who rely on BA for their livelihood, I shall be the first [OK, maybe the 47th] to cheer loudly.
Good luck to you all - you may still need it.
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LHR
Age: 49
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
well its going to be VERY interesting what BASSA has to say about this now, it seems the beginning of the end to me.
Donaldson
But of course!
AD
Donaldson
All you onside CSDs, cabin crew, and customers on this forum, please be gentle with me.
AD
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: sussex
Posts: 613
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Back in the early eighties BA employed its own aircraft cleaners who were members of the T and G (now Unite).
They went on strike (as they frequently did in them days) and their jobs were done by other volunteer staff within the airline.
It was soon noticed the cleaning was done much quicker requiring less staff and to a higher standard, with the result that the cleaning was outsourced very soon afterwards.
could history repeat itself ?
They went on strike (as they frequently did in them days) and their jobs were done by other volunteer staff within the airline.
It was soon noticed the cleaning was done much quicker requiring less staff and to a higher standard, with the result that the cleaning was outsourced very soon afterwards.
could history repeat itself ?
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have to smile.
As just another piece of "self loading freight" I see this move as a positive.
Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to fly with BA during such a time...It would would be rather fabulous to know that EVERYONE that I had contact with truly cared about their customers, their co-workers and their Airline.
Well done Mr. Walsh.
Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to fly with BA during such a time...It would would be rather fabulous to know that EVERYONE that I had contact with truly cared about their customers, their co-workers and their Airline.
Well done Mr. Walsh.
Last edited by Diplome; 18th Jan 2010 at 16:59.
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Outside the EU on a small Island
Age: 79
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@ Neptunux Rex ... at the risk of deviating the thread, I would note that my late father-in-law was a Kipper Fleet caterer and Sunderland Nav in WW2, having managed to extract himself from a reserved occupation.
It's that sort of attitude, instead of "selfishness", that makes great things happen. And there are many CC here who have expressed a "get on with the job" attitude which does them great credit.
I'll admit I do relish getting Capt donaldson to bring me another coffee, though. Sorry, Captain!!
It's that sort of attitude, instead of "selfishness", that makes great things happen. And there are many CC here who have expressed a "get on with the job" attitude which does them great credit.
I'll admit I do relish getting Capt donaldson to bring me another coffee, though. Sorry, Captain!!
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: uk
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do I get a gillet? Do I get free dry cleaning? Can I have your allowances and please don't make me serve those awful pilots any food or coffee! 
will I ever be able to eat on a aircraft again though? ExpectIng lots of bullying and harrasment from bassa.
Bring it on!
will I ever be able to eat on a aircraft again though? ExpectIng lots of bullying and harrasment from bassa.
Bring it on!
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NW
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Message to BA cc from humble passenger
So, looks like your'e not going to be working over Easter?
Well, guess what, I am looking elsewhere for my Easter travel arrangements. Your loss, less passengers, less revenue, less jobs.
What did Ryanair once put on their aircraft "By Bye BA" - looks like they could be right.
Well, guess what, I am looking elsewhere for my Easter travel arrangements. Your loss, less passengers, less revenue, less jobs.
What did Ryanair once put on their aircraft "By Bye BA" - looks like they could be right.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LGW
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Donaldson (and all the other new style temps)
We will be as gentle as you like...
For everyone who will volunteer, you have great integrity. I really can't wait to fly with you all.
Gg
All you onside CSDs, cabin crew, and customers on this forum, please be gentle with me.
We will be as gentle as you like...
For everyone who will volunteer, you have great integrity. I really can't wait to fly with you all.
Gg
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Outside the EU on a small Island
Age: 79
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@ tb10er ... from what I read earlier, LH bookings may be suffering already. With the LCC fraternity swarming all over the SH, that awful man at Ryanair may well be right.
I'd still need a real crisis to fly with his outfit, though. I would honestly, and always, prefer a reliable BA. Can we have one again, please?
I'd still need a real crisis to fly with his outfit, though. I would honestly, and always, prefer a reliable BA. Can we have one again, please?