British Airways - CC Industrial Relations Mk V
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After the 12 days of Christmas - I guess now we'll have the 40 days of Lent.
Bassa appear desperate to stuff up all the public holidays.
Bassa appear desperate to stuff up all the public holidays.
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It occurred to me this morning, anyone who wonders at the strength of resolve and unity likely to be displayed by the cabin crew in the event of another strike being called need look no further than the exercise in seeing how much of allowances were being spent.
This exercise required that crew show selfless altruism in supporting the common good but what happened? The Delsey diners selfishly allowed others to pick up the tab or stupidly handed in reciepts for about 14 coffees all bought within 1 hour of each other, resulting in the demonstrated spend being woefully short of that required.
In the event of a strike being called, expect more of the same.
Dont forget, when you're on the picket line watching BA aircraft take off, you need to ask yourself how lucky you feel. Are those aircraft just being positioned empty (for which no cabin crew required), are they being crewed by cabin crew who are sensible enough to come to work, possibly assisted by pilots volunteering to man doors (of whom more than 1000 had volunteered at the last count) or has the strike collapsed and you are one of the last who is still out and about to get your P45? How will you know? Do you feel lucky?
This exercise required that crew show selfless altruism in supporting the common good but what happened? The Delsey diners selfishly allowed others to pick up the tab or stupidly handed in reciepts for about 14 coffees all bought within 1 hour of each other, resulting in the demonstrated spend being woefully short of that required.
In the event of a strike being called, expect more of the same.
Dont forget, when you're on the picket line watching BA aircraft take off, you need to ask yourself how lucky you feel. Are those aircraft just being positioned empty (for which no cabin crew required), are they being crewed by cabin crew who are sensible enough to come to work, possibly assisted by pilots volunteering to man doors (of whom more than 1000 had volunteered at the last count) or has the strike collapsed and you are one of the last who is still out and about to get your P45? How will you know? Do you feel lucky?
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OK, let me make sure I've got this quite right
I am getting a little confused with all the argument, petty bickering and cross-debating on this thread.
As I see things, these are the reasons for BASSA demanding another strike:
· In November, BA reduced the number of cabin crew on long haul flights from 15 to 14 and introduced a two-year pay freeze from 2010.
· The Unite union said this would hit passenger service, as well as the earnings and career prospects of cabin crew.
· The airline has also proposed new contracts for fresh recruits and newly-promoted staff. These include a single on-board management grade, no seniority, promotion on merit, and pay set at market rate plus 10%. This would still see new recruits paid significantly less than current staff, however.
· The plans for the changes were first presented to company workers and unanimously rejected at a mass meeting in July.
· The union said those measures were introduced in November and argues it should have been consulted because the changes are contractual. But BA disputes this and says it was not obliged to consult.
· The union applied for a High Court injunction to block the airline's plans but failed.
· However, it welcomed a decision that a full court hearing should examine the contractual issue. That hearing is scheduled to begin on 1 February.
· Union members said they would "unwillingly" work the new schedule but would still ballot for a strike.
Would any responsible reader care to confirm - or to correct - my assumptions, please?
As I see things, these are the reasons for BASSA demanding another strike:
· In November, BA reduced the number of cabin crew on long haul flights from 15 to 14 and introduced a two-year pay freeze from 2010.
· The Unite union said this would hit passenger service, as well as the earnings and career prospects of cabin crew.
· The airline has also proposed new contracts for fresh recruits and newly-promoted staff. These include a single on-board management grade, no seniority, promotion on merit, and pay set at market rate plus 10%. This would still see new recruits paid significantly less than current staff, however.
· The plans for the changes were first presented to company workers and unanimously rejected at a mass meeting in July.
· The union said those measures were introduced in November and argues it should have been consulted because the changes are contractual. But BA disputes this and says it was not obliged to consult.
· The union applied for a High Court injunction to block the airline's plans but failed.
· However, it welcomed a decision that a full court hearing should examine the contractual issue. That hearing is scheduled to begin on 1 February.
· Union members said they would "unwillingly" work the new schedule but would still ballot for a strike.
Would any responsible reader care to confirm - or to correct - my assumptions, please?
Join Date: Aug 2000
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I'm more concerned in finding out if MissM organised it for someone to ask BASSA what they did compared to BALPA when it came to negotiating a fair deal with the tax man.
Or for that matter, if anyone else raised it. And how it was answered.
By the way, MissM,
Irrespective of today's Kempton Karnival, I sincerely hope things went well with your mother.
Cheers,
D
Or for that matter, if anyone else raised it. And how it was answered.
By the way, MissM,
Irrespective of today's Kempton Karnival, I sincerely hope things went well with your mother.
Cheers,
D
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BA's take on it:
Yep, they aren't shifting.
Added: Does this union have the slightest clue what they're on about?
Well the two-year pay freeze is already there. And we know all about BASSA's claimed "substantial savings", which are frankly rubbish.
It would seem both UNITE and BASSA are chasing their own tails.
British Airways said it was saddened but not surprised that Unite has called another strike ballot but added,:"We will not allow Unite to ruin this airline – and we believe we have the support of our customers and the vast majority of our staff in that objective."
It called into question Unite's "good faith," adding the union had offered "no more than empty gestures."
BA said it remains available for talks provided there are not preconditions.
BA said in recent talks, the union "put forward proposals that would actually result in a large increase in costs by reversing the changes to onboard crew numbers made last November. In an economic climate in which we are facing record losses, this approach is completely unrealistic."
BA said it will provide assistance for those crew who wish to work normally and will explore all options to enable it to operate as fully as possible.
Bob Atkinson, travel expert at travelsupermarket.com, said passengers deserve better and warned without a quick resolution, the only winners will be BA's competition.
At 1207 GMT, BA's shares were up 5 pence, or 2.7%, at 198 pence.
It called into question Unite's "good faith," adding the union had offered "no more than empty gestures."
BA said it remains available for talks provided there are not preconditions.
BA said in recent talks, the union "put forward proposals that would actually result in a large increase in costs by reversing the changes to onboard crew numbers made last November. In an economic climate in which we are facing record losses, this approach is completely unrealistic."
BA said it will provide assistance for those crew who wish to work normally and will explore all options to enable it to operate as fully as possible.
Bob Atkinson, travel expert at travelsupermarket.com, said passengers deserve better and warned without a quick resolution, the only winners will be BA's competition.
At 1207 GMT, BA's shares were up 5 pence, or 2.7%, at 198 pence.
Added: Does this union have the slightest clue what they're on about?
Unite had put forward a fresh offer aimed at making “substantial savings”, including a two-year pay freeze, national officer Steve Turner said.
He told the Press Association that the ballot would close on February 22nd, raising the threat of industrial action from March 1st.
He told the Press Association that the ballot would close on February 22nd, raising the threat of industrial action from March 1st.
It would seem both UNITE and BASSA are chasing their own tails.
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willie walsh's message to BA staff today
Unite has today announced that it will ballot cabin crew, starting on January 25 for four weeks. The ballot will close on February 22.
Willie Walsh said: "We are saddened but not surprised that Unite has called another strike ballot.
"Unite's decision, foreshadowed in a letter to cabin crew on January 8, calls into question its good faith in the negotiations we took part in throughout last week in an effort to reach a settlement without disruption. Nonetheless, we remain available for talks at any time without preconditions.
"Over the past year, many of you have made significant contributions toward the company's vital programme of permanent cost reduction. It is regrettable that Unite, on behalf of its cabin crew members, has as yet offered no more than empty gestures.
"In recent discussions, Unite has put forward proposals that would actually result in a large increase in costs by reversing the changes to onboard crew numbers made last November.
"In an economic climate in which we are facing record losses, this approach is completely unrealistic.
"Our cabin crew are rightly renowned for their skills and professionalism. Under the package we have put forward, our crew will remain the best rewarded in the UK. There would be absolutely no justification for a strike.
"If Unite eventually proceeds to an actual strike, we will continue to put our customers' interests first. We will provide assistance for those crew who wish to work normally and we will explore all options to enable us to operate the best flying programme possible under the circumstances.
"We will not allow Unite to ruin this airline — and we believe we have the support of our customers and the vast majority of our colleagues in that objective.
"I will give you a further update later today."
Willie Walsh said: "We are saddened but not surprised that Unite has called another strike ballot.
"Unite's decision, foreshadowed in a letter to cabin crew on January 8, calls into question its good faith in the negotiations we took part in throughout last week in an effort to reach a settlement without disruption. Nonetheless, we remain available for talks at any time without preconditions.
"Over the past year, many of you have made significant contributions toward the company's vital programme of permanent cost reduction. It is regrettable that Unite, on behalf of its cabin crew members, has as yet offered no more than empty gestures.
"In recent discussions, Unite has put forward proposals that would actually result in a large increase in costs by reversing the changes to onboard crew numbers made last November.
"In an economic climate in which we are facing record losses, this approach is completely unrealistic.
"Our cabin crew are rightly renowned for their skills and professionalism. Under the package we have put forward, our crew will remain the best rewarded in the UK. There would be absolutely no justification for a strike.
"If Unite eventually proceeds to an actual strike, we will continue to put our customers' interests first. We will provide assistance for those crew who wish to work normally and we will explore all options to enable us to operate the best flying programme possible under the circumstances.
"We will not allow Unite to ruin this airline — and we believe we have the support of our customers and the vast majority of our colleagues in that objective.
"I will give you a further update later today."
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I think Willie is about to declare DEFCON 2.
Since BASSA are into their military history, images and quotations to support their rhetoric,they will understand the DEFCON scale.
Scary stuff. The Kempton Karnival is 'rocking', apparently with fury.
DEFCON 1 remains the final option for BASSA - so they, and the lemmings ought to be prepared for the outcome - somehow, I doubt it.
GF
Since BASSA are into their military history, images and quotations to support their rhetoric,they will understand the DEFCON scale.
Scary stuff. The Kempton Karnival is 'rocking', apparently with fury.
DEFCON 1 remains the final option for BASSA - so they, and the lemmings ought to be prepared for the outcome - somehow, I doubt it.
GF
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Sounds like a very clear message from the company....
If you vote yes to strike, you WILL be going out on strike.
So to our crew colleagues, please be fully aware, you are not voting to "Send a Message", or force BA back to the negotiating table or any of that nonsense.
Put your money (literally) where your mouth is....... Time to play in the big leagues, if you think you can hack it?
Good luck, I think you’re going to need it!
CB
Edited to correct mistakes caused by me not being too bright!
If you vote yes to strike, you WILL be going out on strike.
So to our crew colleagues, please be fully aware, you are not voting to "Send a Message", or force BA back to the negotiating table or any of that nonsense.
Put your money (literally) where your mouth is....... Time to play in the big leagues, if you think you can hack it?
Good luck, I think you’re going to need it!
CB
Edited to correct mistakes caused by me not being too bright!
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Completely agree, nobody wants to see terms and conditions affected but we all have to do our bit and accept, or at least discuss, reasonable proposals.
I know to many crew its seems like you're giving up a lot more than other departments, but thats only because your department has had a disproportionaly high budget for so many years. Other departments have streamlined over time whereas BASSA has managed to keep your budget at 1980 levels (perhaps to their credit, although they must have known it would have to change someday).
It seems we now seem to have a management team who realise that we cannot go on like this - we have to adapt and streamline to survive. This is a message the union has obviously still not understood.
I do feel for the Gatwick crew, and very junior Heathrow crew who have not benefited from these golden years, but do have to pay the price for them. However, remember that you are still on superior contracts to other UK airlines. Just like pilots, engineers etc.
(PS I'm not talking about New Fleet, which I think is not a good step at all, but just the measures so swiftly rejected by your union, and which has now been imposed).
I know to many crew its seems like you're giving up a lot more than other departments, but thats only because your department has had a disproportionaly high budget for so many years. Other departments have streamlined over time whereas BASSA has managed to keep your budget at 1980 levels (perhaps to their credit, although they must have known it would have to change someday).
It seems we now seem to have a management team who realise that we cannot go on like this - we have to adapt and streamline to survive. This is a message the union has obviously still not understood.
I do feel for the Gatwick crew, and very junior Heathrow crew who have not benefited from these golden years, but do have to pay the price for them. However, remember that you are still on superior contracts to other UK airlines. Just like pilots, engineers etc.
(PS I'm not talking about New Fleet, which I think is not a good step at all, but just the measures so swiftly rejected by your union, and which has now been imposed).
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I think this is what is being talked about
Not the nuclear option yet, but a good move, I think.
Not the nuclear option yet, but a good move, I think.
Message from Willie Walsh
Dear colleague
It has been a year since we started talks with the trade unions to do everything we can to save our airline in the face of the worst economic crisis in our history.
There has been a seismic shift in our industry, with the slump in business travel driving down our revenue by £1 billion. The fragility of our industry means many airlines have gone bust and others, such as our oneworld partner Japan Airlines, are on the brink of bankruptcy.
Despite this and the recent talks at the Trades Union Council (TUC), Unite still refuses to accept our cost saving proposals in IFCE and, as you know, it has announced another cabin crew strike ballot, raising the prospect of major disruption to our customers.
I know many of you will once again be appalled at the distress a strike would cause our customers and the damage it will do to our company – especially when so many of you have already made sacrifices.
That is why I am writing to you today.
I am asking for volunteers to back BA by training to work alongside cabin crew who choose not to support a strike, so we are ready to keep our customers flying as much as we possibly can if this strike goes ahead.
How to volunteer
If you would be willing to volunteer for both the training and the subsequent work in the air we will ask you to register via the homepage of the intranet.
From tomorrow, you can sign up to train to become volunteer cabin crew. We will be advertising the scheme across the airline, but will focus initially on people who are available in the key period and who meet the relevant criteria. Later on, there will also be the opportunity to volunteer for our customer support programme on the ground.
There will be a wealth of information on the intranet to help you choose which role would be right for you, and you should also speak with your manager before you volunteer.
Thank you for backing BA
In recent weeks, hundreds of you have volunteered in the terminals during the unprecedented winter weather to support our customers and our operation. Operational colleagues including our cabin crew have pulled out all the stops under very difficult circumstances. And only last weekend we were inundated with volunteers to take the relief 747 out to Haiti.
The path back to profitability is not easy but many of you have not only understood what is required but also made sacrifices. Reducing our costs and changing how we are structured while remaining focused on our customers are essential for our long-term survival.
I hope that Unite will recognise that a way forward can be found without the need for them to threaten our customers holidays and travel plans and I remain available to meet with them at any time.
In the meantime, thank you for volunteering and for backing BA and our customers.
Dear colleague
It has been a year since we started talks with the trade unions to do everything we can to save our airline in the face of the worst economic crisis in our history.
There has been a seismic shift in our industry, with the slump in business travel driving down our revenue by £1 billion. The fragility of our industry means many airlines have gone bust and others, such as our oneworld partner Japan Airlines, are on the brink of bankruptcy.
Despite this and the recent talks at the Trades Union Council (TUC), Unite still refuses to accept our cost saving proposals in IFCE and, as you know, it has announced another cabin crew strike ballot, raising the prospect of major disruption to our customers.
I know many of you will once again be appalled at the distress a strike would cause our customers and the damage it will do to our company – especially when so many of you have already made sacrifices.
That is why I am writing to you today.
I am asking for volunteers to back BA by training to work alongside cabin crew who choose not to support a strike, so we are ready to keep our customers flying as much as we possibly can if this strike goes ahead.
How to volunteer
If you would be willing to volunteer for both the training and the subsequent work in the air we will ask you to register via the homepage of the intranet.
From tomorrow, you can sign up to train to become volunteer cabin crew. We will be advertising the scheme across the airline, but will focus initially on people who are available in the key period and who meet the relevant criteria. Later on, there will also be the opportunity to volunteer for our customer support programme on the ground.
There will be a wealth of information on the intranet to help you choose which role would be right for you, and you should also speak with your manager before you volunteer.
Thank you for backing BA
In recent weeks, hundreds of you have volunteered in the terminals during the unprecedented winter weather to support our customers and our operation. Operational colleagues including our cabin crew have pulled out all the stops under very difficult circumstances. And only last weekend we were inundated with volunteers to take the relief 747 out to Haiti.
The path back to profitability is not easy but many of you have not only understood what is required but also made sacrifices. Reducing our costs and changing how we are structured while remaining focused on our customers are essential for our long-term survival.
I hope that Unite will recognise that a way forward can be found without the need for them to threaten our customers holidays and travel plans and I remain available to meet with them at any time.
In the meantime, thank you for volunteering and for backing BA and our customers.
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Flex SRS...
W Walsh said
Quote:
"I will give you a further update later today."
That is the most interesting bit, I wonder what he has up his sleeve....
Quote:
"I will give you a further update later today."
That is the most interesting bit, I wonder what he has up his sleeve....
'Willie's Sleeve'will make Pandora's jar look like a thoughtful birthday present!
Worse EVEN than working 'one down' to keep the company afloat and NOT getting hosed down with cash (paid at the OLD tax rate
!) for doing so! Sounds simply AWFUL!!...and so UNSAFE and hazardous to EVERYONE'S HEALTH!!! Just as Pandora's Box also contained 'hope', so Willie's Sleeve will (after the obvious much-needed CARNAGE) offer ALL BA employees the hope of working in a successful and prosperous company once more, free from the Work-to-Rule Terrorists that call themselves 'Industrial Relations Representatives'. Free from the bullying, the harassment and the childish and selfish industrial blood-letting that BASSA have instigated and overseen for far too many decades.
Had heard rumours that something along these lines was in the wings. What surprised me was the number of pilots who, through unsolicited e-mails to management, had already offered to volunteer for such duties - only hearsay, but several hundred mentioned.
I don't see this 'strike' going very far. In fact, I believe the ballot will be a big disappointment, before it even comes to a strike. The majority of 'unthinking' BASSA voters who ticked 'Yes' last time, are going to have to think much harder now before lifting the pen - particularly now it is known that BASSA don't have their act anywhere near together, and the mere threat of a strike has been dismissed by the company. BA aren't playing your juvenile games now, BASSA (thank goodness).
You're going to have to walk the walk now, all of you militant types ..... or will you crumble ineffectually?
I don't see this 'strike' going very far. In fact, I believe the ballot will be a big disappointment, before it even comes to a strike. The majority of 'unthinking' BASSA voters who ticked 'Yes' last time, are going to have to think much harder now before lifting the pen - particularly now it is known that BASSA don't have their act anywhere near together, and the mere threat of a strike has been dismissed by the company. BA aren't playing your juvenile games now, BASSA (thank goodness).
You're going to have to walk the walk now, all of you militant types ..... or will you crumble ineffectually?
Looking forward to doing some Dranse trips!
