British Airways - CC Industrial Relations Mk VI
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Interesting to see the US Airline Pilots Association are squarely behind UNITE.
US Airways Pilots Lend Support to British Airways’ Cabin Crews on Eve of Planned Strike
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - March 19, 2010 -The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA), representing the pilots of US Airways, today announced support for British Airways’ cabin crews’ planned three-day strike to commence this weekend. The British Airways crews, represented by Unite, the largest union in Britain, have announced plans to strike after negotiations with British Airways fell apart again last week.
British Airways has proposed to significantly change cabin crews’ contractual terms and conditions, cut jobs, implement a two-year wage freeze and introduce a second-tier workforce with lower pay and working conditions. In response, Len McCluskey, Unite’s assistant general secretary, stated that, “… BA cabin crew have not been blind to the economic realities of the airline’s position. They offered the company a package of savings which would have more than met their requirements - an extraordinary £60m worth of concessions.” British Airways has rejected this offer.
In its Workplace Reporter newsletter, Unite said, “the new contractual changes are an attempt to force staff to pay the price for management failings with the company wringing more and more out of fewer and fewer staff who will be paid less. Working hours will be extended, crew levels will be slashed, career opportunities will disappear and new starters will be brought in on bargain basement wages.”
“US Airways pilots know exactly how it feels to pay the price for management failings, working for a management group more interested in rewarding sub-par performance at the top, rather than recognizing dedicated work by those on the line,” said USAPA President Mike Cleary. “We therefore empathize with the Unite members who are fighting this same issue at British Airways.”
According to British newspaper The Guardian, British Airways is training inexperienced staff to act as cabin crew within three weeks and has stated that this “temporary crew will give passengers a ’simple’ in-flight experience.”
“Clearly, if by BA’s own admission passengers will receive sub-standard service, it means the strike breakers they are rushing through training are not receiving the rigorous training the traveling public expects professional cabin crews to receive,” added Cleary.
The Teamsters have also leant their support to the British Airways cabin crews. In a statement, Teamsters officials stated, “We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Unite who are fighting for a fair contract at British Airways. The Teamsters are an active member of the International Transport Workers Federation. ITF affiliates around the world are mobilizing to support British Airways workers in their fight for passenger safety and worker respect.”
“US Airways pilots are in complete agreement that the time is now to draw a line in the sand with regard to passenger safety and worker respect,” said Cleary. “For too long the world’s carriers have participated in a race to the bottom, demanding longer days and contract concessions from already-strained crews, while they continue to find the money for obscene management bonuses. The public is finally becoming aware of the direct relationship between overworked crews and safety.”
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., the US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) represents more than 5,000 US Airways pilots in five domiciles across the United States. Visit the USAPA Web site at USAPA.
# # #
US Airways Pilots Lend Support to British Airways’ Cabin Crews on Eve of Planned Strike
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - March 19, 2010 -The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA), representing the pilots of US Airways, today announced support for British Airways’ cabin crews’ planned three-day strike to commence this weekend. The British Airways crews, represented by Unite, the largest union in Britain, have announced plans to strike after negotiations with British Airways fell apart again last week.
British Airways has proposed to significantly change cabin crews’ contractual terms and conditions, cut jobs, implement a two-year wage freeze and introduce a second-tier workforce with lower pay and working conditions. In response, Len McCluskey, Unite’s assistant general secretary, stated that, “… BA cabin crew have not been blind to the economic realities of the airline’s position. They offered the company a package of savings which would have more than met their requirements - an extraordinary £60m worth of concessions.” British Airways has rejected this offer.
In its Workplace Reporter newsletter, Unite said, “the new contractual changes are an attempt to force staff to pay the price for management failings with the company wringing more and more out of fewer and fewer staff who will be paid less. Working hours will be extended, crew levels will be slashed, career opportunities will disappear and new starters will be brought in on bargain basement wages.”
“US Airways pilots know exactly how it feels to pay the price for management failings, working for a management group more interested in rewarding sub-par performance at the top, rather than recognizing dedicated work by those on the line,” said USAPA President Mike Cleary. “We therefore empathize with the Unite members who are fighting this same issue at British Airways.”
According to British newspaper The Guardian, British Airways is training inexperienced staff to act as cabin crew within three weeks and has stated that this “temporary crew will give passengers a ’simple’ in-flight experience.”
“Clearly, if by BA’s own admission passengers will receive sub-standard service, it means the strike breakers they are rushing through training are not receiving the rigorous training the traveling public expects professional cabin crews to receive,” added Cleary.
The Teamsters have also leant their support to the British Airways cabin crews. In a statement, Teamsters officials stated, “We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Unite who are fighting for a fair contract at British Airways. The Teamsters are an active member of the International Transport Workers Federation. ITF affiliates around the world are mobilizing to support British Airways workers in their fight for passenger safety and worker respect.”
“US Airways pilots are in complete agreement that the time is now to draw a line in the sand with regard to passenger safety and worker respect,” said Cleary. “For too long the world’s carriers have participated in a race to the bottom, demanding longer days and contract concessions from already-strained crews, while they continue to find the money for obscene management bonuses. The public is finally becoming aware of the direct relationship between overworked crews and safety.”
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., the US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) represents more than 5,000 US Airways pilots in five domiciles across the United States. Visit the USAPA Web site at USAPA.
# # #
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: London
Age: 66
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Second wave of strikes
If the second wave of strikes does go ahead I wonder if BF and WW would offer an inducement to those who have gone on strike this time to not strike again. The thought occurs to me that with 50% of crew members reporting at LHR if I had been on strike I may go out a second time because I will have already lost my staff travel and might believe (mistakenly) that BASSA will get in reinstated in any settlement. One wonders if the management said (on Tuesday of this coming week) staff travel would only be withdrawn from those who took part in the second wave of strikes how many would then take part in the second wave?
I suspect this would not happen as it seems that WW and BF have been pretty clear about this and the damage has been done.
Just a thought.
I suspect this would not happen as it seems that WW and BF have been pretty clear about this and the damage has been done.
Just a thought.
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I very much doubt that there will be any attempt to woo strikers back to work over the second strike. WW has stated very publicly that strikers will lose their ST permanently, why back away from that. I suspect it is more likely that those on strike now will not be allowed to come back to work until after this is all over.
BA will know after this first strike what is possible in terms of flights for the second period of disruption. They will be able to make plans for this coming period of disruption with a far greater certainty than they were for the current strike. This means that they will be able to provide the public with a cast iron programme for the second strike. Based on yesterday it is possible that this wil be a slightly bigger programme at Heathrow and a normal service at Gatwick. It is unlikely they will want to do more than that.
BA will know after this first strike what is possible in terms of flights for the second period of disruption. They will be able to make plans for this coming period of disruption with a far greater certainty than they were for the current strike. This means that they will be able to provide the public with a cast iron programme for the second strike. Based on yesterday it is possible that this wil be a slightly bigger programme at Heathrow and a normal service at Gatwick. It is unlikely they will want to do more than that.
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: England
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
KitKat747
I think you answered your own question.
Obviously we cannot prejudge what will happen over the next couple of days. One thing that is a good indicator to the future is the past!
The company has been pretty consistent with following through on what it has said it would do. (That includes delivering on the strike schedule)
I don't think the company will be pulling any punches whatsoever. (My view).
If the strike is called off things obviously may change.
My view, not my employers or any other party
Obviously we cannot prejudge what will happen over the next couple of days. One thing that is a good indicator to the future is the past!
The company has been pretty consistent with following through on what it has said it would do. (That includes delivering on the strike schedule)
I don't think the company will be pulling any punches whatsoever. (My view).
If the strike is called off things obviously may change.
My view, not my employers or any other party
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't think this article has been linked yet:
Threats and abuse for the BA staff standing up to the strikers - Telegraph
Threats and abuse for the BA staff standing up to the strikers - Telegraph
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Go BASSA Go!
Interestingly read that this weekends strike will cost £100m and WW is prepared to accept that. Still if he accepted £400m worth of fines this is a mere drop in the ocean. Go BASSA Go!
Join Date: May 2008
Location: London
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Sussex,UK
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by jetlag22
there are only 8 reps suspended. What happened to the rest? the reps due to start their csd courses have turned up to cranebank today as normal- ie not on strike
Originally Posted by Litebulbs
That was the old rule from my time at BA. If you were on a course, then you did not strike.
I assume the rule must be a union one, but then again that doesn't make sense either as someone who asked whether they should attend their SEP's was told no they shouldn't.
So which is it?
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Gatwick
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why is this exactly, as I'm struggling with this one? Surely, you're either on strike or you're not! You can't toddle in to do your promotion course, thereby protecting your future higher earnings, whilst expecting everyone else to sacrifice their staff travel and stand around on a picket line.
I assume the rule must be a union one, but then again that doesn't make sense either as someone who asked whether they should attend their SEP's was told no they shouldn't.
So which is it?
I assume the rule must be a union one, but then again that doesn't make sense either as someone who asked whether they should attend their SEP's was told no they shouldn't.
So which is it?
Ballots are counted by independentt organizations. There are a number of companies that provide such a service, they are also used in party leadership elections, for local referdums etc etc.
Geneneral election ballots also have a serial on them, and can be traced to an individual if a court demands it. That doesn't stop people voting.
This is getting silly. Some are against the strike, some are for it. Making up stuff such as the ballot is not private or there are 20 747's at Cardiff does no side any good.
Geneneral election ballots also have a serial on them, and can be traced to an individual if a court demands it. That doesn't stop people voting.
This is getting silly. Some are against the strike, some are for it. Making up stuff such as the ballot is not private or there are 20 747's at Cardiff does no side any good.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: europe
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To any interested BA cabin crew who may be worried about turning up for work I just wanted to add my experience of reporting at the CRC. First off, I'm a pilot, not cabin crew, however the following is as honest an interpretation of my experience and observations as I can offer.
At the car park extra security has been laid on to ensure only those rostered to operate gain access. The buses to T5, have had their windows obscured to give you privacy. There is additional security at T5 and as you enter the terminal you will see BA staff wearing bibs marked "crew support".
Looking at the cabin crew faces in the CRC it was clear that many felt apprehensive about being there. The mood was actually quite friendly and positive though on entering my briefing room, the crew who had showed were clearly a little on edge. Come report time, 8 of our cabin crew had reported, enough for minimum crew on a 777. We had an additional 4 volunteers allocated to our flight, all of whom were subsequently sent home. Our crew were very friendly and there appeared a real sense of camaraderie. Once some of the initial nerves had been overcome, there was even some laughter and the acting CSD made the point that now they (the crew) were here, that they each knew their role and it was important to enjoy the flight as best they could. The crew seemed quite chatty and keen to get the job done. BA have laid on various support staff in the CRC to help with concerns/issues etc.
Our flight got away on time (nearly). It was explained to the passengers that due to the industrial dispute a simplified cabin service would be offered. From what the crew told me, no passengers complained about this and were grateful they would be getting to their destination as planned.
During the flight the cabin crew seemed in good spirits although a general concern was how they would answer questioning from colleagues on subsequent flights regarding the strike. One commented to me that it was nice to do a flight without any militant opinions being banded around. We contacted ops at our destination in advance to ensure that there would be no cross over between our crew and the inbound crew on arrival. On the bus to the hotel there was good natured chat and banter, certainly more than is often the case after a long haul flight!
I thought our cabin crew handled themselves in a very professional and mature manner on what must clearly have been a difficult day for them. I sincerely hope a satisfactory resolution to the dispute is found soon for all concerned.
At the car park extra security has been laid on to ensure only those rostered to operate gain access. The buses to T5, have had their windows obscured to give you privacy. There is additional security at T5 and as you enter the terminal you will see BA staff wearing bibs marked "crew support".
Looking at the cabin crew faces in the CRC it was clear that many felt apprehensive about being there. The mood was actually quite friendly and positive though on entering my briefing room, the crew who had showed were clearly a little on edge. Come report time, 8 of our cabin crew had reported, enough for minimum crew on a 777. We had an additional 4 volunteers allocated to our flight, all of whom were subsequently sent home. Our crew were very friendly and there appeared a real sense of camaraderie. Once some of the initial nerves had been overcome, there was even some laughter and the acting CSD made the point that now they (the crew) were here, that they each knew their role and it was important to enjoy the flight as best they could. The crew seemed quite chatty and keen to get the job done. BA have laid on various support staff in the CRC to help with concerns/issues etc.
Our flight got away on time (nearly). It was explained to the passengers that due to the industrial dispute a simplified cabin service would be offered. From what the crew told me, no passengers complained about this and were grateful they would be getting to their destination as planned.
During the flight the cabin crew seemed in good spirits although a general concern was how they would answer questioning from colleagues on subsequent flights regarding the strike. One commented to me that it was nice to do a flight without any militant opinions being banded around. We contacted ops at our destination in advance to ensure that there would be no cross over between our crew and the inbound crew on arrival. On the bus to the hotel there was good natured chat and banter, certainly more than is often the case after a long haul flight!
I thought our cabin crew handled themselves in a very professional and mature manner on what must clearly have been a difficult day for them. I sincerely hope a satisfactory resolution to the dispute is found soon for all concerned.
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not crew, but a family member is. She has just returned on a LH flight and confirmed all the arrangements mentioned in supadupafly's post above. She, unfortunately, did experience a 'militant' element in her crew and it ruined the trip for her.
CSD's collecting names off of trolley check-lists to gather evidence of strike breakers for the out-going flight......very naughty and very unproffessional.
Good luck to all the crew for the future, no matter what your views, but watch your back....there are some very vindictive people out there.
CSD's collecting names off of trolley check-lists to gather evidence of strike breakers for the out-going flight......very naughty and very unproffessional.
Good luck to all the crew for the future, no matter what your views, but watch your back....there are some very vindictive people out there.
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: europe
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Unfortunatley Supadupa the crossover down route was not that good! My wife endured having a camera phone shoved in her face by the inbound crew which were returning to LHR. How brave of them not to have to make that decision of strike or not to strike. If you crew members down route are so hell bent on striking,then why not down tools overseas? Ah thought not. Spineless with no balls comes to mind
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LGW
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A few facts, boring and unsensational as they are.
SkyNews interviewed Mr Boyd this morning and he maintained that 90% of their membership are supporting the strike. That is the view of Mr Boyd and he is entitled to hold that view and would certainly be expected to back that up with a compelling argument.
Percentages can be misleading unless you clearly specify what the percentage relates to.
Assuming that there are approx 11,000 BASSA members and 1100+ reported for work yesterday, it could accurately be said that approx 9900 did not actually report for work yesterday.
If you take Mr Boyd’s understanding of the situation, you would possibly claim that the 9900 who were not required to swipe in yesterday were supporting the strike and hence the statement that "90% of your members were supporting the strike".
The alternative view is that the level of true support will not be evident until ALL crew have actually had to check in for duty. Given the number of people on leave, 75%, 50% or 33% part time contracts, on longer trips such as 9 day BKK/SYD or SIN/SYD, 5 day SIN, HKG, JNB etc with MBT and you start to see the logistical problem of determining an accurate level of support.
The fact remains that BA planned and successfully achieved a reduced flying program yesterday. It had surplus cabin crew and put them on 24hr availability in local hotels or they have gone home. The volunteer workforce did not get utilised and there was indeed some disappointment amongst it's ranks but I feel that their services will be required in due course. Today’s flying program has been increased from the planned level and there is every reason to believe that it will be achieved.
Finally, and this is specific to WW crew. Virtually all trips are a minimum 3 day with 2/3 days MBT (minimum base turnaround) so if you were due to report for a trip yesterday and opted to strike, by Bill Francis’ specific reckoning, you are out of the equation for 5/6 days and as he stated that you will be brought back to flying in a reasonable time frame as required by BA, your next available work day would be probably Friday 26th March, one day before the next planned strike dates 27th to 30th March. It would reasonably be assumed that you would support that action so the earliest you would be required would be 31st March and that is at the very earliest.
Percentages can be misleading unless you clearly specify what the percentage relates to.
Assuming that there are approx 11,000 BASSA members and 1100+ reported for work yesterday, it could accurately be said that approx 9900 did not actually report for work yesterday.
If you take Mr Boyd’s understanding of the situation, you would possibly claim that the 9900 who were not required to swipe in yesterday were supporting the strike and hence the statement that "90% of your members were supporting the strike".
The alternative view is that the level of true support will not be evident until ALL crew have actually had to check in for duty. Given the number of people on leave, 75%, 50% or 33% part time contracts, on longer trips such as 9 day BKK/SYD or SIN/SYD, 5 day SIN, HKG, JNB etc with MBT and you start to see the logistical problem of determining an accurate level of support.
The fact remains that BA planned and successfully achieved a reduced flying program yesterday. It had surplus cabin crew and put them on 24hr availability in local hotels or they have gone home. The volunteer workforce did not get utilised and there was indeed some disappointment amongst it's ranks but I feel that their services will be required in due course. Today’s flying program has been increased from the planned level and there is every reason to believe that it will be achieved.
Finally, and this is specific to WW crew. Virtually all trips are a minimum 3 day with 2/3 days MBT (minimum base turnaround) so if you were due to report for a trip yesterday and opted to strike, by Bill Francis’ specific reckoning, you are out of the equation for 5/6 days and as he stated that you will be brought back to flying in a reasonable time frame as required by BA, your next available work day would be probably Friday 26th March, one day before the next planned strike dates 27th to 30th March. It would reasonably be assumed that you would support that action so the earliest you would be required would be 31st March and that is at the very earliest.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: europe
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
eyealess, I'm really disappointed and angry to hear of your wife's experience. It's disgusting to think we have people in our company who could act like that. If she wished to report the incident to BA I'm sure that they would take the matter very seriously indeed.
The acting CSD on our flight was very careful to ensure that all paperwork which could have crew names on it was removed prior to us leaving the aircraft downroute.
Regardless of the rights and wrongs of the dispute those who choose to work have the undeniable right to do so, and to do so without fear of recrimination. I respect the courage of those who make this difficult choice. Strength and courage of course being an alien concept to the pathetic bullies who lurk on the sidelines.
The acting CSD on our flight was very careful to ensure that all paperwork which could have crew names on it was removed prior to us leaving the aircraft downroute.
Regardless of the rights and wrongs of the dispute those who choose to work have the undeniable right to do so, and to do so without fear of recrimination. I respect the courage of those who make this difficult choice. Strength and courage of course being an alien concept to the pathetic bullies who lurk on the sidelines.
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Eyaless
It is sad to see this level of childish action towards your wife.
If anything like that happens again make sure she either gets a name or tries to reciprocate by getting a phone picture of the said individual. As has already been posted on this forum BA managers are very interested in this sort of action as it is quite clearly harassment and may lead to bullying at a later date - either way BA have demonstrated that they have both the will and the tools to deal with such action.
Remember these people will hope to return to work with BA in the future - an oft repeated refrain is how much they love their jobs and working for BA. This could be true but if they love working for BA they should prove it by not breaking the EG about Bullying in the workplace. BA I am sure would like to be able to dismiss such militant fools and if the fools give them cause, let BA fight your battles.
It is easy for these idiots to be brave in front of a bunch of yahoo mates, but bravery implies a knowledge of the potential consequences of your actions. If they take these actions let them suffer the consequences. It is after all what they are prepared for if they have thought any of this through.
Tell your wife to hold her head up high and to record any texts or emails sent to her or any on-board bullying in the future. Let's make BA a place we ALL want to work without fear of bullying from our so called colleagues.
If anything like that happens again make sure she either gets a name or tries to reciprocate by getting a phone picture of the said individual. As has already been posted on this forum BA managers are very interested in this sort of action as it is quite clearly harassment and may lead to bullying at a later date - either way BA have demonstrated that they have both the will and the tools to deal with such action.
Remember these people will hope to return to work with BA in the future - an oft repeated refrain is how much they love their jobs and working for BA. This could be true but if they love working for BA they should prove it by not breaking the EG about Bullying in the workplace. BA I am sure would like to be able to dismiss such militant fools and if the fools give them cause, let BA fight your battles.
It is easy for these idiots to be brave in front of a bunch of yahoo mates, but bravery implies a knowledge of the potential consequences of your actions. If they take these actions let them suffer the consequences. It is after all what they are prepared for if they have thought any of this through.
Tell your wife to hold her head up high and to record any texts or emails sent to her or any on-board bullying in the future. Let's make BA a place we ALL want to work without fear of bullying from our so called colleagues.
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Abbeyroad, i think i must ge getting my cavalier attitude from your Mr Walsh, didn't realise it would rub off so easily ;-)
With regards to the £100m, that's what you and your followers would like to think - me thinks it won't play out like that. Besides the precedent has already been set, i didn't see the £400m being a pre-requisite to Marketing, Cargo or even the "irish one himself" having to build in to their contribution to the cost savings.
With regards to the £100m, that's what you and your followers would like to think - me thinks it won't play out like that. Besides the precedent has already been set, i didn't see the £400m being a pre-requisite to Marketing, Cargo or even the "irish one himself" having to build in to their contribution to the cost savings.
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: N51°20. W000°35
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
eyealess
eyealess, ditto the posted responses and total respect to your wife. And to think Unite/Bassa have the nerve to say they are victims of bullying...let's hope they get to hear about these incidents!
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: surrey
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Video of WW today...
YouTube - British Airways strike: The latest views on the second day of the strike
YouTube - British Airways strike: The latest views on the second day of the strike
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Gatwick
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If the cost of this weekends action is £100m, as stated earlier on the tread, then six three day stoppages wipes out the £600m fighting fund. That cannot all be directed back to crew as that cost would be £48k per crew member (600000000/12500). What cost would that be to a striking crew member? A maximum of 18 days pay and staff travel, which appears to be gone now anyway.
There comes a point when the pressure will switch from the employee to the employer.
There comes a point when the pressure will switch from the employee to the employer.