British Airways - CC Industrial Relations Mk VI
Willie's message:
From: Willie Walsh
To: All colleagues
I wanted to update you on the industrial relations situation, following Unite’s announcement 10 days ago that a majority of cabin crew had voted in favour of a strike.
At the outset, let me stress that our cabin crew are extremely professional, highly skilled and deserve everyone’s respect. Any form of bullying or intimidation toward crew will not be tolerated, just as we will not tolerate it toward our volunteers.
As you know, Unite has not as yet identified any specific dates for industrial action, though it must do so by March 15 and any action must start by March 22.
Talks continue
We continue to have talks with Unite and we want to resolve the issues
between us.
There seems to be a view in some quarters that, if it had not been for the strike vote, we would not have been taking part in these talks.
Nothing could be further from the truth. We have been talking to Unite for more than 12 months. If progress has been slow, that has been a consequence of the union’s unwillingness, or inability, to engage in the process seriously.
In the last 2.5 weeks of talks at the TUC, we have been able to sit down face to face with Unite for no more than 2.5 hours – because the union’s internal disagreements have left it unable to maintain a common position.
Changes have been judged fair and reasonable
Unite has repeatedly demanded that we reverse our modest changes to crew complements on flights from Heathrow. These changes - which the High Court has ruled were valid, reasonable and did not breach crews’ contracts – save our company around £60m a year. They have not reduced crew earnings at all.
At the TUC, Unite has again proposed reversing the changes – and finding £60m savings from elsewhere. They have not been clear on how these savings would be achieved – and I am not surprised. You cannot make equivalent savings without cutting basic pay and/or allowances for every crew member by around £1,500 to £2,500 a year
Unite knows this. It just doesn’t want to say so. More than 12 months after we started negotiations, it is still not serious about how we can reduce cabin crew costs to help make this airline competitive and ensure our long-term future.
On routes to Australia, for example, our cabin crew costs before the complement changes were 31 per cent higher than those of Qantas. Asia will be a massive growth market in the future. We are shutting ourselves out of Asia because our costs are too high.
So let me be clear. The changes we have made to onboard crew numbers are permanent. They will not be reversed by the threat of a strike. And they will not be reversed if a strike takes place.
I invited Unite last October to come up with ideas as to how we recruit new crew in the future. I want to have a discussion about that, but I reiterate: we are not moving current crew on to new terms and conditions.
So let me be clear again. If Unite proceeds to strike dates and then an actual strike, it will not soften our position. In fact, it will harden our position because we will be forced to seek additional savings to recoup the losses a strike will cause. And crew who take part in a strike, consciously inflicting damage on our business, will permanently lose eligibility for staff travel.
A strike will not ground this airline
But let there be no doubt. A strike will not ground this airline. We will have 1,000 volunteer crew trained by next week and we will continue training crew through the rest of this month and, if necessary, April and May. We have had nearly 6,000 volunteers in total, and the number is growing.
We will operate all British Airways’ flights from London City airport, including long-haul services to New York.
Seventy per cent of our Gatwick cabin crew have said they will work normally, so we will operate all our long-haul schedule at Gatwick, and about half of our short-haul schedule.
And at Heathrow, we will operate a substantial proportion of our long-haul programme and a good number of short-haul flights too, assisted by chartered aircraft with crews from a number of UK and European-based airlines. We have at least 23 aircraft available to us over an extended period.
We have also arranged to secure seats from other carriers, so thousands more of our customers can reach their chosen destinations.
At this stage our plans do not include crew at Heathrow who may choose to work normally. More than 4,000 crew did not vote for strike action.
Fantastic response from around the company
I want to pay the sincerest thanks to thousands of colleagues across our airline who have risen magnificently to the challenge we face – volunteering to work as crew, volunteering for vital support roles on the ground, working very long hours to re-draft rosters and schedules to underpin these robust contingency plans.
These plans will allow us to protect our customers’ travel arrangements better than many people imagined possible in the difficult conditions that a strike by the biggest section of our workforce is bound to cause.
Plans to protect our customers
Our customers have been fantastic in the way they have stood by us in recent weeks. Despite all the uncertainty Unite has created since it announced its ballot in January, passenger numbers for February were actually higher than a year ago – and our premium traffic rose for the first time in 18 months.
We want to help customers as much as we possibly can. Should a strike be called, we will offer rebook and refund opportunities – but every day we will transport tens of thousands of our customers to where they want to go.
I do not know what Unite will do in the coming days. If a strike comes, we are as prepared as we can be. I do not want a strike. The changes to crew complements are permanent, but it is not too late to talk about crew’s genuine concerns for the future.
It is time to move on. As a business, we must get our costs in shape so we can compete and grow in years ahead. That is the best way forward for everyone within British Airways. Let us embrace the future together and
succeed.
bassa - time for a reality check!
From: Willie Walsh
To: All colleagues
I wanted to update you on the industrial relations situation, following Unite’s announcement 10 days ago that a majority of cabin crew had voted in favour of a strike.
At the outset, let me stress that our cabin crew are extremely professional, highly skilled and deserve everyone’s respect. Any form of bullying or intimidation toward crew will not be tolerated, just as we will not tolerate it toward our volunteers.
As you know, Unite has not as yet identified any specific dates for industrial action, though it must do so by March 15 and any action must start by March 22.
Talks continue
We continue to have talks with Unite and we want to resolve the issues
between us.
There seems to be a view in some quarters that, if it had not been for the strike vote, we would not have been taking part in these talks.
Nothing could be further from the truth. We have been talking to Unite for more than 12 months. If progress has been slow, that has been a consequence of the union’s unwillingness, or inability, to engage in the process seriously.
In the last 2.5 weeks of talks at the TUC, we have been able to sit down face to face with Unite for no more than 2.5 hours – because the union’s internal disagreements have left it unable to maintain a common position.
Changes have been judged fair and reasonable
Unite has repeatedly demanded that we reverse our modest changes to crew complements on flights from Heathrow. These changes - which the High Court has ruled were valid, reasonable and did not breach crews’ contracts – save our company around £60m a year. They have not reduced crew earnings at all.
At the TUC, Unite has again proposed reversing the changes – and finding £60m savings from elsewhere. They have not been clear on how these savings would be achieved – and I am not surprised. You cannot make equivalent savings without cutting basic pay and/or allowances for every crew member by around £1,500 to £2,500 a year
Unite knows this. It just doesn’t want to say so. More than 12 months after we started negotiations, it is still not serious about how we can reduce cabin crew costs to help make this airline competitive and ensure our long-term future.
On routes to Australia, for example, our cabin crew costs before the complement changes were 31 per cent higher than those of Qantas. Asia will be a massive growth market in the future. We are shutting ourselves out of Asia because our costs are too high.
So let me be clear. The changes we have made to onboard crew numbers are permanent. They will not be reversed by the threat of a strike. And they will not be reversed if a strike takes place.
I invited Unite last October to come up with ideas as to how we recruit new crew in the future. I want to have a discussion about that, but I reiterate: we are not moving current crew on to new terms and conditions.
So let me be clear again. If Unite proceeds to strike dates and then an actual strike, it will not soften our position. In fact, it will harden our position because we will be forced to seek additional savings to recoup the losses a strike will cause. And crew who take part in a strike, consciously inflicting damage on our business, will permanently lose eligibility for staff travel.
A strike will not ground this airline
But let there be no doubt. A strike will not ground this airline. We will have 1,000 volunteer crew trained by next week and we will continue training crew through the rest of this month and, if necessary, April and May. We have had nearly 6,000 volunteers in total, and the number is growing.
We will operate all British Airways’ flights from London City airport, including long-haul services to New York.
Seventy per cent of our Gatwick cabin crew have said they will work normally, so we will operate all our long-haul schedule at Gatwick, and about half of our short-haul schedule.
And at Heathrow, we will operate a substantial proportion of our long-haul programme and a good number of short-haul flights too, assisted by chartered aircraft with crews from a number of UK and European-based airlines. We have at least 23 aircraft available to us over an extended period.
We have also arranged to secure seats from other carriers, so thousands more of our customers can reach their chosen destinations.
At this stage our plans do not include crew at Heathrow who may choose to work normally. More than 4,000 crew did not vote for strike action.
Fantastic response from around the company
I want to pay the sincerest thanks to thousands of colleagues across our airline who have risen magnificently to the challenge we face – volunteering to work as crew, volunteering for vital support roles on the ground, working very long hours to re-draft rosters and schedules to underpin these robust contingency plans.
These plans will allow us to protect our customers’ travel arrangements better than many people imagined possible in the difficult conditions that a strike by the biggest section of our workforce is bound to cause.
Plans to protect our customers
Our customers have been fantastic in the way they have stood by us in recent weeks. Despite all the uncertainty Unite has created since it announced its ballot in January, passenger numbers for February were actually higher than a year ago – and our premium traffic rose for the first time in 18 months.
We want to help customers as much as we possibly can. Should a strike be called, we will offer rebook and refund opportunities – but every day we will transport tens of thousands of our customers to where they want to go.
I do not know what Unite will do in the coming days. If a strike comes, we are as prepared as we can be. I do not want a strike. The changes to crew complements are permanent, but it is not too late to talk about crew’s genuine concerns for the future.
It is time to move on. As a business, we must get our costs in shape so we can compete and grow in years ahead. That is the best way forward for everyone within British Airways. Let us embrace the future together and
succeed.
bassa - time for a reality check!
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So BASSA have until the 22nd March to call a strike? I see WW made no mention of how he is going to recover the losses BASSA have incurred with their latest strike ballot and not having the courage to call a strike. And I see he is basically calling their bluff.
They know they cannot win a strike, and if they prevaricate then BA's position grows ever stronger.
It's like watching Thelma and Louise at the denouement.
There's only one way to go, Len.
They know they cannot win a strike, and if they prevaricate then BA's position grows ever stronger.
It's like watching Thelma and Louise at the denouement.
There's only one way to go, Len.
"It's like watching Thelma and Louise at the denouement."
Well something made me laugh today
....I must admit to finding it hard to imagine Len McClunk as either Thelma or Louise 
.......and it would be a waste of a good car...could we not just throw him over the edge???
Well something made me laugh today
....I must admit to finding it hard to imagine Len McClunk as either Thelma or Louise .......and it would be a waste of a good car...could we not just throw him over the edge???
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ChicoG,
BASSA have until the 15th to announce a date and must commence action by the 22nd.
This close to a General Election with neither the Courts nor the public behind them and WW determined that BA management will not give in I do not hold out much hope for the future of BASSA.
Finally their beligerence has led them into a corner they cannot weedle out of.
BASSA have until the 15th to announce a date and must commence action by the 22nd.
This close to a General Election with neither the Courts nor the public behind them and WW determined that BA management will not give in I do not hold out much hope for the future of BASSA.
Finally their beligerence has led them into a corner they cannot weedle out of.
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Guys sorry but was that it today? Was that the best Walsh can do?
Don't mean to piss on your parade but what was he thinking about today making that "huge" annocument. Hardly earth shattering and if anything inflammatory.
Doesn't appear to be a man who wants to sort things out to me. I think he scored an own goal personally.
Don't mean to piss on your parade but what was he thinking about today making that "huge" annocument. Hardly earth shattering and if anything inflammatory.
Doesn't appear to be a man who wants to sort things out to me. I think he scored an own goal personally.
Junior trash
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Don't mean to piss on your parade but what was he thinking about today making that "huge" annocument. Hardly earth shattering and if anything inflammatory.
Doesn't appear to be a man who wants to sort things out to me. I think he scored an own goal personally.
Doesn't appear to be a man who wants to sort things out to me. I think he scored an own goal personally.
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I think it sends a clear message to all BA employees as to exactly what the situation is. BASSA can spin this anyway they wish but their members cannot be surprised now when things happen as WW has stated.
They will lose staff travel permanently if they strike. It will not be possible to negotiate it back as part of a return to work deal. The public now has a measure of what will happen should BASSA decide to issue strike dates.
It details why permanent change is required - our crew costs are 32% higher than those at QANTAS - hence we cannot compete in the potentially lucrative asian markets. If the CC and BASSA cannot see that remaining on current T&Cs will mean the slow death of the company that they claim to love it is down to willful blindness.
They will lose staff travel permanently if they strike. It will not be possible to negotiate it back as part of a return to work deal. The public now has a measure of what will happen should BASSA decide to issue strike dates.
It details why permanent change is required - our crew costs are 32% higher than those at QANTAS - hence we cannot compete in the potentially lucrative asian markets. If the CC and BASSA cannot see that remaining on current T&Cs will mean the slow death of the company that they claim to love it is down to willful blindness.
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The way managers were running around the CRC yesterday and today made it sound like something huge was about to be announced.
Its only going to spread uncertainty if you believe what he says!
Believe me I want a settlement on this matter more than anyone, but I think antagonising the situation isn't going to help matters.
Its only going to spread uncertainty if you believe what he says!
Believe me I want a settlement on this matter more than anyone, but I think antagonising the situation isn't going to help matters.
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Guys sorry but was that it today? Was that the best Walsh can do?
Don't mean to piss on your parade but what was he thinking about today making that "huge" annocument. Hardly earth shattering and if anything inflammatory.
Doesn't appear to be a man who wants to sort things out to me. I think he scored an own goal personally.
Don't mean to piss on your parade but what was he thinking about today making that "huge" annocument. Hardly earth shattering and if anything inflammatory.
Doesn't appear to be a man who wants to sort things out to me. I think he scored an own goal personally.
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Ozzie - on the huge thing, fair enough.
I dont agree that presenting their side is inflammatory, indeed I would suggest it is way overdue. BASSA present their side by many means, many many times. A right of reply seems reasonable to me.
I know one person who has a honeymoon flight booked in just over a week that was very pleased to hear his words, let's not forget the information wasnt just for BA staff after all.
I dont agree that presenting their side is inflammatory, indeed I would suggest it is way overdue. BASSA present their side by many means, many many times. A right of reply seems reasonable to me.
I know one person who has a honeymoon flight booked in just over a week that was very pleased to hear his words, let's not forget the information wasnt just for BA staff after all.
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Guys sorry but was that it today? Was that the best Walsh can do?
Don't mean to piss on your parade but what was he thinking about today making that "huge" annocument. Hardly earth shattering and if anything inflammatory.
Doesn't appear to be a man who wants to sort things out to me. I think he scored an own goal personally.
Don't mean to piss on your parade but what was he thinking about today making that "huge" annocument. Hardly earth shattering and if anything inflammatory.
Doesn't appear to be a man who wants to sort things out to me. I think he scored an own goal personally.
Was the message not clear? I think even the most deluded BASSA member now knows that BA are playing hardball.
- Strikers WILL lose ST and it will not form any part of a 'back to work' deal.
This is no longer a negotiation. It's an ultimatum.
BASSA could have precluded all of this a year ago, instead of which they tried to wheedle their way out of it with a hotpotch of claimed savings and threats of IA.
Has the message not yet sunk in that these clueless reps have sold their members down the river?
We should ALL be working towards a resolution.
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I believe that BASSA only has to call a one hour strike for the 22nd on the 15th and that unfreezes the clock and they can then have an unlimited series of strikes all summer.
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but I think antagonising the situation isn't going to help matters.
OzzieO,
Your comments show a complete disregard for all that has gone on for the last 12 months.
WW and the company have been very careful in what they have said. Last year a cc member was complaining about a 'lack of comms' from the company. However, when I asked her if she would believe the company or bassa she looked incredulous and stated 'bassa of course'. At which point I informed her that was why the company were making only occasional, but relevant, statements.
At long last WW has come out and stated CLEARLY, and with great certainty, what most of us have been waiting for.
bassa, Mclunk and unite have come away with nothing but bluster, insults and a lot of downright lies.
Today WW has stated very clearly that the lies and bully boy tactics that bassa have used over the last good number of years WILL NOT WORK THIS TIME!
Your comments show a complete disregard for all that has gone on for the last 12 months.
WW and the company have been very careful in what they have said. Last year a cc member was complaining about a 'lack of comms' from the company. However, when I asked her if she would believe the company or bassa she looked incredulous and stated 'bassa of course'. At which point I informed her that was why the company were making only occasional, but relevant, statements.
At long last WW has come out and stated CLEARLY, and with great certainty, what most of us have been waiting for.
bassa, Mclunk and unite have come away with nothing but bluster, insults and a lot of downright lies.
Today WW has stated very clearly that the lies and bully boy tactics that bassa have used over the last good number of years WILL NOT WORK THIS TIME!
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It sends a clear message to BASSA:
The game is up
Strike if you want but we'll continue to fly without you
Strike and lose ST for life
The rest of the company know that you are very expensive and are against you
You are stopping expansion because of your costs
Your representatives have been refusing to negotiate
Game, set and match to Willie - but how long will it take for BASSA to accept this?
I can just imagine the witches (led by the coven chief LaLa) prowling around the cauldron working out which ingredients to throw into the pot. I call:
Len McClunky and Unite (again)
CC89 (again)
WW (again), and, of course
BALPA (not for the first time).
These will be the stool pigeons for BASSA, and ne'er a drop of retribution shall fall on the top table (of course).
Wind forward 3 months and LaLa will retreat to LA, never to be seen sagain (hopefully) taking with her to obscurity the rest of the dregs from BASSA (p0rn king/kitchen fitter, Stott and the rest).
The game is up
Strike if you want but we'll continue to fly without you
Strike and lose ST for life
The rest of the company know that you are very expensive and are against you
You are stopping expansion because of your costs
Your representatives have been refusing to negotiate
Game, set and match to Willie - but how long will it take for BASSA to accept this?
I can just imagine the witches (led by the coven chief LaLa) prowling around the cauldron working out which ingredients to throw into the pot. I call:
Len McClunky and Unite (again)
CC89 (again)
WW (again), and, of course
BALPA (not for the first time).
These will be the stool pigeons for BASSA, and ne'er a drop of retribution shall fall on the top table (of course).
Wind forward 3 months and LaLa will retreat to LA, never to be seen sagain (hopefully) taking with her to obscurity the rest of the dregs from BASSA (p0rn king/kitchen fitter, Stott and the rest).
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I earnestly wish this could be resolved sensibly, but it seems a little too late.
I wish everyone in BA a future with a degree of certainty, instead of what seems like a tragic and pointless conflict. Good luck to you all - BA deserves to succeed, especially in these difficult times.
I wish everyone in BA a future with a degree of certainty, instead of what seems like a tragic and pointless conflict. Good luck to you all - BA deserves to succeed, especially in these difficult times.
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I believe that BASSA only has to call a one hour strike for the 22nd on the 15th and that unfreezes the clock and they can then have an unlimited series of strikes all summer.
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Strike dates
From channel4.com:
Ken Ablard, a spokesman for the British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association, which is working with the union Unite in the negotiations with BA, told Channel 4 News: "Talks are happening today and tomorrow.
"I understand that our negotiating team certainly felt there had been some movement in the talks with BA, that's why the members were prepared to extend the deadline until this Friday, following the meeting last week.
"So by the end of the week there will be a decision, either a negotiation agreed, or actual strike dates announced."
"I understand that our negotiating team certainly felt there had been some movement in the talks with BA, that's why the members were prepared to extend the deadline until this Friday, following the meeting last week.
"So by the end of the week there will be a decision, either a negotiation agreed, or actual strike dates announced."