British Airways - CC Industrial Relations Mk V
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My vote is that *************** is actually a management plant (aspidistra or pansy, I'm not sure) placed here to stir things up!
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And if all else fails, Lizanne can fall back on her favourite recipients of her opprobrium.
BASSA > Latest News
BALPA SHAMED
Jan 31st, 2010 by admin
BALPA has claimed that it is “neutral” when it comes to the contentious issue of pilots and Captains - some of whom earn over £100,000 pa - doing the jobs of crew, some of whom who are on a tenth of that, to break a strike.
In fact BALPA are so “neutral” that one of their senior reps, a Captain, is on the first course. We don’t call that “neutral”, we call it callous, spineless and a disgrace to decency. It is tempting to name this individual but BASSA will not be joining this particular Captain and his “union” in the gutter.
Having got that off our chests we would like to say a sincere thank you to all those First Officers and Captains who have been in touch with us over the last week to say how ashamed they are at their colleagues’ behaviour and how sickened they are with BALPA’s hypocrisy. We would like to acknowledge the fact that the vast majority of Flight Deck are decent people who are dismayed by recent events. We therefore urge all cabin crew not to tar the “Flight Deck” with the same brush. Just because a few selfish pilots have chosen to become involved in “strike breaking” we need to maintain a dignified relationship and a sense of proportion.
BALPA SHAMED
Jan 31st, 2010 by admin
BALPA has claimed that it is “neutral” when it comes to the contentious issue of pilots and Captains - some of whom earn over £100,000 pa - doing the jobs of crew, some of whom who are on a tenth of that, to break a strike.
In fact BALPA are so “neutral” that one of their senior reps, a Captain, is on the first course. We don’t call that “neutral”, we call it callous, spineless and a disgrace to decency. It is tempting to name this individual but BASSA will not be joining this particular Captain and his “union” in the gutter.
Having got that off our chests we would like to say a sincere thank you to all those First Officers and Captains who have been in touch with us over the last week to say how ashamed they are at their colleagues’ behaviour and how sickened they are with BALPA’s hypocrisy. We would like to acknowledge the fact that the vast majority of Flight Deck are decent people who are dismayed by recent events. We therefore urge all cabin crew not to tar the “Flight Deck” with the same brush. Just because a few selfish pilots have chosen to become involved in “strike breaking” we need to maintain a dignified relationship and a sense of proportion.
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And so on, and so on.
BASSA > Latest News
UPDATE ON BALPA REP HELPING THE PCCC
Jan 31st, 2010 by admin
We have also just been informed that the BALPA REP and Captain who is on a course at Cranebank to work as crew if there is a strike, is also promoting this new, shadowy PCCC which purports to be an alternative union for crew. Please be very very wary if approached by any Flight Deck inviting you to get in touch. No one even knows who these people are or who is backing them, but it appears our friend in BALPA is spreading the word.
UPDATE ON BALPA REP HELPING THE PCCC
Jan 31st, 2010 by admin
We have also just been informed that the BALPA REP and Captain who is on a course at Cranebank to work as crew if there is a strike, is also promoting this new, shadowy PCCC which purports to be an alternative union for crew. Please be very very wary if approached by any Flight Deck inviting you to get in touch. No one even knows who these people are or who is backing them, but it appears our friend in BALPA is spreading the word.
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A tad extreme...
Perhaps BASSA should pause before issuing such overwrought statements.
To follow this logic, if this Captain is also a member of the Royal Horticultural Society then all lovers of roses and pentunias are strike breakers.
Unless this Captain makes a specific statement that he is taking such action AS AN OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF BALPA AND SANCTIONED BY BALPA then Balpa has no responsibility in this specific instance.
These postings by BASSA reps do not project either strength or professionalism on the part of their leadership.
To follow this logic, if this Captain is also a member of the Royal Horticultural Society then all lovers of roses and pentunias are strike breakers.
Unless this Captain makes a specific statement that he is taking such action AS AN OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF BALPA AND SANCTIONED BY BALPA then Balpa has no responsibility in this specific instance.
These postings by BASSA reps do not project either strength or professionalism on the part of their leadership.
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They are both genuine, issued by the chairperson of BASSA today. It's suggested in some circles that this is one of BASSA's increasingly desperate attempts to spike BA's guns by endeavouring to make the cockpit/cabin environment almost unworkable. Of course they fail to recognise that during the strike, any crew working in the cabin will want to be there so are most unlikely to subscribe to this inchoate ranting.
MrB
MrB
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Correction
No one even knows who these people are or who is backing them
Delete: "No one even knows"
Insert : "BASSA leadership has no earthly idea"
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BASSA's Latest
When I read BASSA’s statement I receive the reverse message that I imagine is intended – I see “when the reps of other unions are against you, you really are on the wrong track”.
Indeed I recall an earlier post a page or so back from another chap that was 15 years an engineer, if I recall correctly, and for part of that time a union rep also, again he didn’t support this strike.
Again I’ll question the name UNITE for the union – BASSA have the support of the majority of their members (alas) but instead of attempting to build support with other bodies, BALPA, CAA etc, their actions only further alienate them. Bizarre..
Indeed I recall an earlier post a page or so back from another chap that was 15 years an engineer, if I recall correctly, and for part of that time a union rep also, again he didn’t support this strike.
Again I’ll question the name UNITE for the union – BASSA have the support of the majority of their members (alas) but instead of attempting to build support with other bodies, BALPA, CAA etc, their actions only further alienate them. Bizarre..
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Mr. Bunker
Is the individual stating the need to "maintain a dignified relationship and a sense of proportion.", the same who previously said to BA Pilots they could "Foxtrot Oscar"??
Is no adult in BASSA going to put a stop to this? I have the luxury of just being amused, but for BASSA's members these sort of juvenile remarks are doing damage to their cause.
The BA Cabin Crew have already dug themselves into a huge public-relations hole. Perhaps a few members should consider taking the shovels away from their BASSA leadership.
Is no adult in BASSA going to put a stop to this? I have the luxury of just being amused, but for BASSA's members these sort of juvenile remarks are doing damage to their cause.
The BA Cabin Crew have already dug themselves into a huge public-relations hole. Perhaps a few members should consider taking the shovels away from their BASSA leadership.
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The language used by the bassa chair is now becoming vey dangerous indeed. IMHO.
GF
.
Some strong leadership will be required in the very near future - by a lot of people with the responsibility to provide it.
GF
.Some strong leadership will be required in the very near future - by a lot of people with the responsibility to provide it.
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Anyone know why the court date has been postponed to the 2nd Feb?
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we would like to say a sincere thank you to all those First Officers and Captains who have been in touch with us over the last week to say how ashamed they are at their colleagues’ behaviour and how sickened they are with BALPA’s hypocrisy
Ms Malone protesteth too much, methinks.
Trying to create credibility for her tactics by manufacturing support from the group she unfailingly expresses disrespect and disdain for is disingenuous at best, and worthy of total contempt.
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Indeed worthy of contempt. IMHO, Bassa realise now that they have nowhere else to go and this fight of their own making will end in it's demise and they are furious.
Anger is a powerful emotion and as they can't tangibly do anything against BA with this anger and fury, they are now kicking out at the nearest available target, ie: Flight Crew
(please note: Ms Malone, the flight deck is where pilots work, not what they are
)
Anger is a powerful emotion and as they can't tangibly do anything against BA with this anger and fury, they are now kicking out at the nearest available target, ie: Flight Crew
(please note: Ms Malone, the flight deck is where pilots work, not what they are
)
Last edited by From Tunbridge Wells; 31st Jan 2010 at 15:28. Reason: clarity
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Please BA CC, listen to your hearts and not the lies...
From what I can gather, one of the issues is that of removing a crew member from SH and (a purser) from LH flights. Therefore one of the gripes is that purser's will therefore lose out on some flying allowances (inevitably, as they're doing less flying).
Also, there is a worry about the 'new fleet' coming into Heathrow in the near future and that all the 'money-making' trips and routes will be transferred onto the 'new fleet', thereby reducing flying allowances further.
I'd first like to address the points made above (hoping I'v got the gist of the matter). I am a short-haul pilot and every season, our flight schedule is tweaked with and we either work harder or not so hard depending on the requirements of the company on that particular season. It happens in every airline and is something we have just come to accept. However, the fact that our flying hours change on a monthly and seasonally basis, due to the above point, means that our flying allowances inevitably change. Some months we get more allowances and therefore more money in our wage packet and other months we get less allowances and hence less money in our wage packet.
I'd like to compare what British Airways told us down at LGW earlier this year, with that of a crew member being taken off flights at LHR. We were advised that we were losing 10 short haul destinations at LGW for Winter 09/10. Some were going altogether, and others were disappearing up the road to LHR. This meant that we were all going to be doing a lot less flying in the winter due to above 'operational change.' It is the words 'OPERATIONAL CHANGE' that I want everyone to consider. Because British Airways decided to make an operational change to our winter schedule, that meant we were going to be doing less flying in the winter and therefore our flying allowances would reduce. Or in other words, our variable pay would reduce. Flying Allowances = Variable Pay! So therefore, at LHR, British Airways have decided to make an operational change to their flights, in such that one less crew member will now operate SH and LH flights and in the case of LH flights, the CSD will take over a service role (this brings is in line with other carriers and more importantly the British Airways fleet at LGW, something which has been working for many years now, at the agreement of, UNITE [think about that one!]). Now due to the fact that British Airways has made an operational change to their crew complements, the flying allowances or variable pay will inevitably reduce. This is why it is called Variable Pay! It varies, depending on the needs of the company at any one time!!!
Now because the company changed their schedule at LGW and therefore we would all be flying less, we didn't ballot for a strike and demand that it was unfair of British Airways to change their own schedule and therefore affect our flying allowances. It is simply an operational change and that's something that everyone needs to realise.
In terms of the 'New Fleet,' first of all nothing has been set in stone as to what new crew on this fleet are going to be paid and secondly it hasn't been stated that lucrative routes are being transferred to this fleet. I believe British Airways have even offered a payment to existing crew in case this happens! So, we cannot base a strike on something we don't know will actually happen.
I also understand that some of the more militant cabin crew are keeping hold of names of volunteers of people who wish to be trained up as cabin crew in the event that a strike does occur. For what reason is this happening? Is this so that these volunteers can be bullied or harassed? I sincerely hope not, as if this happens, then it'll cost that person their job!
What crew have to realise is that times have changed and airlines need to change to adapt to the current times. British Airways are not touching your contracted basic salaries, all they're asking as that you become a bit more productive and work a little bit harder. The more this goes one, the more the Union will dig themselves into a hole and it'll probably never recover. Finally, just to make the point. People who volunteer to work as Cabin Crew over this time are doing so to protect their own families, their own incomes, their own pensions and their own lives. It's not just to have a dig at cabin crew. We're more mature than that. How can we stand aside and accept that the company might go down the toilet because of a strike that doesn't need to happen. I'v worked too damn hard to get here and I will not let my job slip through my fingers.
Please BA CC, listen to your hearts and not the lies that your union is telling you. British Airways are in serious times and there is a real possibility that the box you mark on your ballot paper will decide the fate of British Airways.
Over and Out.
Also, there is a worry about the 'new fleet' coming into Heathrow in the near future and that all the 'money-making' trips and routes will be transferred onto the 'new fleet', thereby reducing flying allowances further.
I'd first like to address the points made above (hoping I'v got the gist of the matter). I am a short-haul pilot and every season, our flight schedule is tweaked with and we either work harder or not so hard depending on the requirements of the company on that particular season. It happens in every airline and is something we have just come to accept. However, the fact that our flying hours change on a monthly and seasonally basis, due to the above point, means that our flying allowances inevitably change. Some months we get more allowances and therefore more money in our wage packet and other months we get less allowances and hence less money in our wage packet.
I'd like to compare what British Airways told us down at LGW earlier this year, with that of a crew member being taken off flights at LHR. We were advised that we were losing 10 short haul destinations at LGW for Winter 09/10. Some were going altogether, and others were disappearing up the road to LHR. This meant that we were all going to be doing a lot less flying in the winter due to above 'operational change.' It is the words 'OPERATIONAL CHANGE' that I want everyone to consider. Because British Airways decided to make an operational change to our winter schedule, that meant we were going to be doing less flying in the winter and therefore our flying allowances would reduce. Or in other words, our variable pay would reduce. Flying Allowances = Variable Pay! So therefore, at LHR, British Airways have decided to make an operational change to their flights, in such that one less crew member will now operate SH and LH flights and in the case of LH flights, the CSD will take over a service role (this brings is in line with other carriers and more importantly the British Airways fleet at LGW, something which has been working for many years now, at the agreement of, UNITE [think about that one!]). Now due to the fact that British Airways has made an operational change to their crew complements, the flying allowances or variable pay will inevitably reduce. This is why it is called Variable Pay! It varies, depending on the needs of the company at any one time!!!
Now because the company changed their schedule at LGW and therefore we would all be flying less, we didn't ballot for a strike and demand that it was unfair of British Airways to change their own schedule and therefore affect our flying allowances. It is simply an operational change and that's something that everyone needs to realise.
In terms of the 'New Fleet,' first of all nothing has been set in stone as to what new crew on this fleet are going to be paid and secondly it hasn't been stated that lucrative routes are being transferred to this fleet. I believe British Airways have even offered a payment to existing crew in case this happens! So, we cannot base a strike on something we don't know will actually happen.
I also understand that some of the more militant cabin crew are keeping hold of names of volunteers of people who wish to be trained up as cabin crew in the event that a strike does occur. For what reason is this happening? Is this so that these volunteers can be bullied or harassed? I sincerely hope not, as if this happens, then it'll cost that person their job!
What crew have to realise is that times have changed and airlines need to change to adapt to the current times. British Airways are not touching your contracted basic salaries, all they're asking as that you become a bit more productive and work a little bit harder. The more this goes one, the more the Union will dig themselves into a hole and it'll probably never recover. Finally, just to make the point. People who volunteer to work as Cabin Crew over this time are doing so to protect their own families, their own incomes, their own pensions and their own lives. It's not just to have a dig at cabin crew. We're more mature than that. How can we stand aside and accept that the company might go down the toilet because of a strike that doesn't need to happen. I'v worked too damn hard to get here and I will not let my job slip through my fingers.
Please BA CC, listen to your hearts and not the lies that your union is telling you. British Airways are in serious times and there is a real possibility that the box you mark on your ballot paper will decide the fate of British Airways.
Over and Out.
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No reason given by BASSA as to why the court hearing has been postponed.
Another piece of rubbish written by BASSA - informed by whom? Hearsay would be the correct terminology.
Another piece of rubbish written by BASSA - informed by whom? Hearsay would be the correct terminology.
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In the comms they issue, they offer little explanation of rationale or factual background to the decisions they take on behalf of cabin crew, and as is seen on their forums are institutionally averse to questioning or criticism.
In short, they don't reflect the views of their membership, they are a cabale of politically motivated self promoters.
