British Airways - CC Industrial Relations Mk VI
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Human Factor
I agree with you - the wet lease flights are definitely operating as BA
Yes but not being flown by BA CC - but being included in the BA figures, bit misleading
I agree with you - the wet lease flights are definitely operating as BA
even on a codeshare they're still BA passengers and BA are still being paid for their flights.
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I've just asked the question in the crc as to whether flights are being cancelled.
Due to the excess of cabin crew reporting, a couple of flts using smaller aircaft have been cancelled and the crews allocated to flts with larger crews and are being sold to the public. The general trend is to reinstate flights that were freighters but are now operating normally.
Just seen pilots being stood down from acting as cc as cc are turning up in good numbers.
As for only 5 cabin crew breaking the strike, there were more than that on my bus from the car park to the crc!
Good upbeat atmosphere in the crc too!
Due to the excess of cabin crew reporting, a couple of flts using smaller aircaft have been cancelled and the crews allocated to flts with larger crews and are being sold to the public. The general trend is to reinstate flights that were freighters but are now operating normally.
Just seen pilots being stood down from acting as cc as cc are turning up in good numbers.
As for only 5 cabin crew breaking the strike, there were more than that on my bus from the car park to the crc!
Good upbeat atmosphere in the crc too!
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Thanks Mariner9 - post 1 photo only please and then the CWL parked aircraft thing is put to bed and no more posts on that please.
Codeshare/Wetlease/Whitetail - Time's Up also - Whatever you know to be the case, please bask in the glow of being absolutely right - and then keep that knowledge to yourself.
Codeshare/Wetlease/Whitetail - Time's Up also - Whatever you know to be the case, please bask in the glow of being absolutely right - and then keep that knowledge to yourself.
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I also meant to add that I was astonished to see Tony Woodley plead with the board of BA for assistance.
I hadn't previously thought of him as a naive stupid man, but I do now.
Doesn't he realize that Martin Boughton selected WW as the man best equipped for this battle.
The board will be totally backing the plan. The board will have also been delighted to see the share price rocket over 35 p during the last 10 days.
Doesn't he realize that the whole board will have understood and signed up to this plan many months ago? They must have giggled when they read his communication. Boy , he's grasping at straws now!
I hadn't previously thought of him as a naive stupid man, but I do now.
Doesn't he realize that Martin Boughton selected WW as the man best equipped for this battle.
The board will be totally backing the plan. The board will have also been delighted to see the share price rocket over 35 p during the last 10 days.
Doesn't he realize that the whole board will have understood and signed up to this plan many months ago? They must have giggled when they read his communication. Boy , he's grasping at straws now!
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Have any volunteers actually flown yet?
It would seem a shame to have carried out all the training and then not get the chance to fly. I would hope that next weekend BA plan a much greater % of normal flights and then add the volunteers into the mix. Any news on those who have struck being rostered back before next weekend?
all the best
It would seem a shame to have carried out all the training and then not get the chance to fly. I would hope that next weekend BA plan a much greater % of normal flights and then add the volunteers into the mix. Any news on those who have struck being rostered back before next weekend?
all the best
Couldonlyaffordafiver
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A few volunteers have flown although many have been stood down. Don't bet the farm on the strikers coming back to work on Tuesday though.
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Another view
I thought I'd post another view of the strike.
The Waterside Disruption Centre (WDC) was activated last Tuesday to assist our contact centres in handling rebookings and refunds for pax whose flights had been cancelled. WDC is staffed solely by volunteers.
One the first day callers has two-hour waits to get through but by the afternoon this had been reduced to a few minutes. Most of them were quite understanding of the situation, though some were quite distresed.
We sometimes had real difficulties in rebooking pax to Domestic, European and some long-haul destinations such as MIA. However, during the next few days, more wet-lease flights became available (such as Ryanair between LGW and EDI, GLA and MAN) and more alternative carriers could be booked (such as United, Air France and KLM).
I also did a support shift today at T5. Contrary to what you may have read, it is not like a ghost town. Although pax numbers are certainly down, flights are operating and the operation was going well. There were 106 flights scheduled to depart today, 35 of which being operated by wet-lease carriers, namely Jet2, euroAtlantic airways, Titan Airways, Astreus, Transavia, Arkefly and Viking Airlines. We were then informed that three more flights (BA782 to ARN, BA287 to SFO and BA119 to BLR) were reinstated, making a total of 109 flights. Oh, just to make it clear, the wet-lease planes only do domestic and European flights. This means that by the end of today, 74 BA-crewed flights will leave T5.
I happened to be present at an operations briefing where we were told that some flights were delayed a bit as more cabin crew had reported for duty, so they replaced the volunteer crew (which took a bit of time to organise). Of course, more cabin crew enables BA to convert freighter flights back to passenger flights.
Actually, on the bus back to Waterside, we got chatting to a captain who had been rostered as CC for a 3-day trip but had been replaced by regular crew. He also said that BA had planned the revised scheduled on the assumption that 20 per cent of cabin crew would turn up for work, but now had too many crew, causing the volunteers to be sent home.
I'll post updates next week if people are interested.
The Waterside Disruption Centre (WDC) was activated last Tuesday to assist our contact centres in handling rebookings and refunds for pax whose flights had been cancelled. WDC is staffed solely by volunteers.
One the first day callers has two-hour waits to get through but by the afternoon this had been reduced to a few minutes. Most of them were quite understanding of the situation, though some were quite distresed.
We sometimes had real difficulties in rebooking pax to Domestic, European and some long-haul destinations such as MIA. However, during the next few days, more wet-lease flights became available (such as Ryanair between LGW and EDI, GLA and MAN) and more alternative carriers could be booked (such as United, Air France and KLM).
I also did a support shift today at T5. Contrary to what you may have read, it is not like a ghost town. Although pax numbers are certainly down, flights are operating and the operation was going well. There were 106 flights scheduled to depart today, 35 of which being operated by wet-lease carriers, namely Jet2, euroAtlantic airways, Titan Airways, Astreus, Transavia, Arkefly and Viking Airlines. We were then informed that three more flights (BA782 to ARN, BA287 to SFO and BA119 to BLR) were reinstated, making a total of 109 flights. Oh, just to make it clear, the wet-lease planes only do domestic and European flights. This means that by the end of today, 74 BA-crewed flights will leave T5.
I happened to be present at an operations briefing where we were told that some flights were delayed a bit as more cabin crew had reported for duty, so they replaced the volunteer crew (which took a bit of time to organise). Of course, more cabin crew enables BA to convert freighter flights back to passenger flights.
Actually, on the bus back to Waterside, we got chatting to a captain who had been rostered as CC for a 3-day trip but had been replaced by regular crew. He also said that BA had planned the revised scheduled on the assumption that 20 per cent of cabin crew would turn up for work, but now had too many crew, causing the volunteers to be sent home.
I'll post updates next week if people are interested.
Last edited by Caribbean Boy; 21st Mar 2010 at 19:46.
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I thought I would give you an update from the floor!
I was rostered to operate a flight yesterday morning, which I did without any problems. I parked at the carpark and took the bus to T5 with some other crew. I definitely wasn't alone and there were probably 7 or 8 other cabin crew on the bus. I got to the CRC and found it to be very crowded. There were crew everywhere and I talked to one of the managers who said they didn't expect such a high turnout. This is why very few volunteers never got to work yesterday. If BASSA honestly believes 80% crew were on strike they are living in denial.
My flight operated with a full crew complement (no volunteers or ICC). The flight was chock-a-block but it went extremely well. All crew did an excellent job and all the passengers were pleased that they were getting to their destination.
I listened to what BF was saying yesterday and it's extremely worrying that crew will be let go after this strike. This would be compulsory redundancies in a very long time in the history of BA. Our beloved union BASSA can be held responsible for this. Well done BASSA!
This strike is almost coming to an end and I'm confident BA will deal with next weekend's strike too.
WW Purser
I was rostered to operate a flight yesterday morning, which I did without any problems. I parked at the carpark and took the bus to T5 with some other crew. I definitely wasn't alone and there were probably 7 or 8 other cabin crew on the bus. I got to the CRC and found it to be very crowded. There were crew everywhere and I talked to one of the managers who said they didn't expect such a high turnout. This is why very few volunteers never got to work yesterday. If BASSA honestly believes 80% crew were on strike they are living in denial.
My flight operated with a full crew complement (no volunteers or ICC). The flight was chock-a-block but it went extremely well. All crew did an excellent job and all the passengers were pleased that they were getting to their destination.
I listened to what BF was saying yesterday and it's extremely worrying that crew will be let go after this strike. This would be compulsory redundancies in a very long time in the history of BA. Our beloved union BASSA can be held responsible for this. Well done BASSA!
This strike is almost coming to an end and I'm confident BA will deal with next weekend's strike too.
WW Purser
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May I ask a question please? Were the rosters for this weekend a standard roster, or a disruption reducing one? Did crew have the opportunity to express their wish to work, i.e. no voters or non union members?
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Sunday Evening
Evening all - well done to all those that turned up for work again today and nice to see those "Speedbirds" flying over my house. Was just wondering if anyone had the latest membership figure from the BASSA website. I noticed yesterday post showing the numbers going down and down!!!!!Was interesting as well to see B Boyd on Sky News this morning completely ignore the question I emailed in re parked aircraft o hum...... Anyway tomorrow is another day the sun will be shining and no doubt my sleep will be interupted by even more planes taking off. Best wishes to one and all
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The way forward
Litebulbs wrote:
The focus is on getting through this weekend and planning for the next weekend. I spent some time today trying to get people to volunteer for support roles at T5 for the middle of next week. My feeling is that the second strike will definitely go ahead, after which both sides will take stock of the situation.
So, nobody wants to talk about the way forward then?
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My experience yesterday
Just a quick note from me to tell you know about my trip yesterday... I reported late afternoon and am now in a hotel `somewhere east of Europe`.
All went very well!
I took a cab to go to work and walked into T5 in uniform, to be met by 2 cheerful ground volunteers. I found the CRC was very much the same as on any `normal` day, apart from the fact that we were talking about the strike - obviously. In the briefing room we had 4 pilot volunteers who were stood down as 8 CC had turned up, 2 psr and 4 maincrew.
The flight was busy, but not full. Yes, it was a cold meal in both cabins but of good quality and nice portions I thought and customers and crew all in very good spirits.
Just like other posters mentioned, our Capt also sent an acars requesting ground staff to hold the inbound crew until after we left the baggage hall
so we wouldnt meet and even the crew bus picked us up from a different location at the airport.
All went very well!
I took a cab to go to work and walked into T5 in uniform, to be met by 2 cheerful ground volunteers. I found the CRC was very much the same as on any `normal` day, apart from the fact that we were talking about the strike - obviously. In the briefing room we had 4 pilot volunteers who were stood down as 8 CC had turned up, 2 psr and 4 maincrew.
The flight was busy, but not full. Yes, it was a cold meal in both cabins but of good quality and nice portions I thought and customers and crew all in very good spirits.
Just like other posters mentioned, our Capt also sent an acars requesting ground staff to hold the inbound crew until after we left the baggage hall
so we wouldnt meet and even the crew bus picked us up from a different location at the airport.
Couldonlyaffordafiver
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Can you prove that they are not?
As mine was not the only mainline BA jet in the sky at that point, one can only assume that Unite's figures are inaccurate. So in answer to your question, no they are incapable of telling the truth.
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Well only one party is telling the truth - BA or Unite. The thing is if BA was the one lying, then that would mean the flights that BA said were reinstated, were actually not, and don't you think that passengers would be up in arms at the lies saying ''my flight didn't go'' etc etc.
Latest on the BASSA forum is people are writing lots of threads to keep people striking. Like saying WW is lying and ''don't believe it'' etc etc... One thread even mentions that planespotters are spotting that aircraft with the same registration are continually taking off and landing (suggesting that they are flying empty as there is no room to park) Would BA even be allowed to do this?
Also they are now critising volunteers saying that there is a blown slide at LHR on an Airbus. And blaming ''volunteers'' for it. How do they know it was a volunteer anyway? It could be proper crew and if they are lying (likely) then it is a poor shot. And anyway I thought volunteers are not being used.
Galley FM at it's best at the moment!!
but actually it isn't funny it is just getting confusing and horrible and worrying! 
Oh and Hiflyer - with ref to one of your recent posts - I'm not surprised that BF said that it was mainly BASSA being unreasonable, not UNITE. Just goes to show!
Latest on the BASSA forum is people are writing lots of threads to keep people striking. Like saying WW is lying and ''don't believe it'' etc etc... One thread even mentions that planespotters are spotting that aircraft with the same registration are continually taking off and landing (suggesting that they are flying empty as there is no room to park) Would BA even be allowed to do this?
Also they are now critising volunteers saying that there is a blown slide at LHR on an Airbus. And blaming ''volunteers'' for it. How do they know it was a volunteer anyway? It could be proper crew and if they are lying (likely) then it is a poor shot. And anyway I thought volunteers are not being used.
Galley FM at it's best at the moment!!
but actually it isn't funny it is just getting confusing and horrible and worrying! Oh and Hiflyer - with ref to one of your recent posts - I'm not surprised that BF said that it was mainly BASSA being unreasonable, not UNITE. Just goes to show!
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LH Opertational Update
Here's an operational update of LH flights which have left LHR today - there are still a few flights estimated to leave tonight:
3 JFK
3 BOS
2 IAD
2 ORD
1 LAX (747)
1 SFO (747)
1 MIA (747)
1 SEA
1 LAS
1 DEN
1 DFW
1 PHL
1 YVR (747)
1 YYZ
1 GIG
GRU/EZE is estimated to depart tonight with 747.
1 ACC
1 CPT (747)
1 EBB (767)
1 NBO
JNB and an additional CPT are expected to depart tonight with 747.
1 JED
1 MCT
1 DXB
TLV (767) and an additional DXB are expected to depart tonight.
1 BLR (747)
1 DEL (747)
BOM is expected to depart tonight.
1 PEK
1 PVG
Operation is going well. BA has been able to increase flight schedules and is also now using 747 and 767.
3 JFK
3 BOS
2 IAD
2 ORD
1 LAX (747)
1 SFO (747)
1 MIA (747)
1 SEA
1 LAS
1 DEN
1 DFW
1 PHL
1 YVR (747)
1 YYZ
1 GIG
GRU/EZE is estimated to depart tonight with 747.
1 ACC
1 CPT (747)
1 EBB (767)
1 NBO
JNB and an additional CPT are expected to depart tonight with 747.
1 JED
1 MCT
1 DXB
TLV (767) and an additional DXB are expected to depart tonight.
1 BLR (747)
1 DEL (747)
BOM is expected to depart tonight.
1 PEK
1 PVG
Operation is going well. BA has been able to increase flight schedules and is also now using 747 and 767.
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BA flight summary March 21st
As Rafa would say these are the facts.
Longhaul:
The following flights operated/will be operating with pax (777 unless stated).
073 AUH/MCT
065 NBO
185 EWR
193 DFW
063 EBB (767)
213 BOS
175 JFK
217 IAD
067 PHL
295 ORD
249 GIG
107 DXB
219 DEN
209 MIA (747)
119 BLR (747)
227 ATL
169 PVG
049 SEA
287 SFO (747)
081 ACC
269 LAX (747)
257 DEL (747)
297 ORD
275 LAS
189 EWR (OPENSKIES)
115 JFK
215 BOS
099 YYZ
039 PEK
293 IAD
085 YVR (747)
255 LUN (767)
179 JFK
133 JED
239 BOS
059 CPT (747)
057 JNB (747)
031 HKG (747)
011 SIN (747)
247 GRU (747)
199 BOM
009 BKK (747)
109 DXB
157 KWI
043 CPT
083 ABV
163 TLV
The following operated as freight/ferry flights (NO PAX)
117 JFK
165 TLV
207 MIA
195 IAH
253 NAS
279 LAX
125 BAH/DOH
075 LOS
139 BOM
285 SFO
143 DEL
283 LAX
093 YYZ
005 NRT
177 JFK
229 BWI
197 IAH
289 PHX
265 IAD
123 MRU
095 YUL
103 YYC
155 CAI
069 PHL
055 JNB
025 HKG
183 JFK
105 DXB
Finally the following shorthaul flights were operated by BA aircraft (in addition to the wet lease operation)
776 ARN
304 CDG
428 AMS
964 HAM
640 ATH
846 WAW
712 ZRH
1306 ABZ
878 LED
676 IST
1326 NCL
962 HAM
1442 EDI
308 CDG
434 AMS
816 CPH
632 ATH
1332 NCL
314 CDG
984 TXL
1486 GLA
398 BRU
1452 EDI
1334 NCL
318 CDG
348 NCE
782 ARN
736 GVA
1454 EDI
322 CDG
442 AMS
5 A319's are still parked at EDI (UPD,UPM,UPT,UPX & UPY)
Longhaul:
The following flights operated/will be operating with pax (777 unless stated).
073 AUH/MCT
065 NBO
185 EWR
193 DFW
063 EBB (767)
213 BOS
175 JFK
217 IAD
067 PHL
295 ORD
249 GIG
107 DXB
219 DEN
209 MIA (747)
119 BLR (747)
227 ATL
169 PVG
049 SEA
287 SFO (747)
081 ACC
269 LAX (747)
257 DEL (747)
297 ORD
275 LAS
189 EWR (OPENSKIES)
115 JFK
215 BOS
099 YYZ
039 PEK
293 IAD
085 YVR (747)
255 LUN (767)
179 JFK
133 JED
239 BOS
059 CPT (747)
057 JNB (747)
031 HKG (747)
011 SIN (747)
247 GRU (747)
199 BOM
009 BKK (747)
109 DXB
157 KWI
043 CPT
083 ABV
163 TLV
The following operated as freight/ferry flights (NO PAX)
117 JFK
165 TLV
207 MIA
195 IAH
253 NAS
279 LAX
125 BAH/DOH
075 LOS
139 BOM
285 SFO
143 DEL
283 LAX
093 YYZ
005 NRT
177 JFK
229 BWI
197 IAH
289 PHX
265 IAD
123 MRU
095 YUL
103 YYC
155 CAI
069 PHL
055 JNB
025 HKG
183 JFK
105 DXB
Finally the following shorthaul flights were operated by BA aircraft (in addition to the wet lease operation)
776 ARN
304 CDG
428 AMS
964 HAM
640 ATH
846 WAW
712 ZRH
1306 ABZ
878 LED
676 IST
1326 NCL
962 HAM
1442 EDI
308 CDG
434 AMS
816 CPH
632 ATH
1332 NCL
314 CDG
984 TXL
1486 GLA
398 BRU
1452 EDI
1334 NCL
318 CDG
348 NCE
782 ARN
736 GVA
1454 EDI
322 CDG
442 AMS
5 A319's are still parked at EDI (UPD,UPM,UPT,UPX & UPY)
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Oh just so I'm not starting any rumours off - apparently the rumour about the slide was because crew saw an aircraft with steps attached that looked like a slide from the angle they were at 
Some of the militants probably got thrilled when they heard that! But by the looks of it it isn't true - thankfully as obviously they are dangerous! LOL.
Some of the militants probably got thrilled when they heard that! But by the looks of it it isn't true - thankfully as obviously they are dangerous! LOL.
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Each side of the dispute is making claims - it is impossible for anybody to verify to the exclusion of all else these claims. This thread must not become a statistical battleground for plane-spotters. Move on please.
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In most companies, bullying and harrassment are normally on the list of "gross misconduct" offences, which are those offences punishable by summary dismissal (i.e. dismissal without notice).
Those undertaking this sort of behaviour are therefore risking being sacked on the spot if found guilty following the disciplinary procedure, during which they could be suspended from duty. The trade union laws do not allow strikers or potential strikers to break the usual rules of employment, which still apply in full force.
Those undertaking this sort of behaviour are therefore risking being sacked on the spot if found guilty following the disciplinary procedure, during which they could be suspended from duty. The trade union laws do not allow strikers or potential strikers to break the usual rules of employment, which still apply in full force.