British Airways - CC Industrial Relations Mk VI
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Probably remove the imposition........
OK, not achievable in the short term however.......
Pay the money owed for working permanently down over the last few months......
Not going to happen.
So get to a position whereby Unite can retreat over imposition and give it away by reducing some on board workload to justify not having to work harder.
Then there is the new fleet to get to terms with. How do you allay the justifiable fear around that?
OK, not achievable in the short term however.......
Pay the money owed for working permanently down over the last few months......
Not going to happen.
So get to a position whereby Unite can retreat over imposition and give it away by reducing some on board workload to justify not having to work harder.
Then there is the new fleet to get to terms with. How do you allay the justifiable fear around that?
game, set and match, BASSA are finished.....
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Litebulbs
In June last year, Bill Francis and Willie guaranteed to take New Fleet off the table if the new crew levels were implemented. Now we face the prospect of both.
Cheers BASSA. Look what your childish games have cost us!
Then there is the new fleet to get to terms with. How do you allay the justifiable fear around that?
Cheers BASSA. Look what your childish games have cost us!
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Walsh: BA 'prepared' for cabin staff strike
British Airways CEO Willie Walsh said he believes the carrier is "as prepared as we can be" for a flight attendants strike with a contingency plan including 23 aircraft wet-leased from other UK and European airlines.
By next week, BA will have the aircraft and a pool of 1,000 volunteer cabin staff, including role-swapping pilots, at its disposal. During a webcast employee briefing cited by Sky News, Walsh said approximately 6,000 staff, equal to around a quarter of BA's noncabin-crew workforce, had volunteered for airside or landside positions to help in the event of industrial action (ATWOnline, March 1).
"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," Walsh said.
He added that he expects BA will be able to operate all services from London City and all long-haul and 50% of short-haul flights out of Gatwick during the expected strike. He gave no indication of how mainline operations at Heathrow would be affected. He also denied reports that bookings have fallen 30% in the wake of the Unite union's strike vote.
The union has until March 15 to give BA notice of a strike, which could start from a week later. Both parties are negotiating under the auspices of the UK's Trades Union Congress.
ATW Daily News 04/03/10
By next week, BA will have the aircraft and a pool of 1,000 volunteer cabin staff, including role-swapping pilots, at its disposal. During a webcast employee briefing cited by Sky News, Walsh said approximately 6,000 staff, equal to around a quarter of BA's noncabin-crew workforce, had volunteered for airside or landside positions to help in the event of industrial action (ATWOnline, March 1).
"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," Walsh said.
He added that he expects BA will be able to operate all services from London City and all long-haul and 50% of short-haul flights out of Gatwick during the expected strike. He gave no indication of how mainline operations at Heathrow would be affected. He also denied reports that bookings have fallen 30% in the wake of the Unite union's strike vote.
The union has until March 15 to give BA notice of a strike, which could start from a week later. Both parties are negotiating under the auspices of the UK's Trades Union Congress.
ATW Daily News 04/03/10
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BA's offer, June 2009
Who offered what & when has become so distorted (don't want to point fingers here) that I'd lost track - so I went back through my wife's BA company mail (she's a Worldwide Purser) to find out what was offered at the end of June last year - that's 8 months ago...
Here's BA's offer, lifted directly from ESS.
Synopsis:
- NO NEW FLEET
- One crew off the aircraft
- New disruption agreement.
- Reduce downroute nightstops.
Of these 4 main points I believe the 'stopper' for most crew would actually be the least expensive (to BA) item on that list, the downroute nightstops. Crew hate the idea of this - and so would I. It would turn the job into an unmitigated grind.
If Unite/BASSA/Amicus could've got their sh1t together last summer I'm sure that the last item could've been negotiated away (think it was worth £7m IIRC).
Was this really so very far away from 'acceptable' to be worth a strike?
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Here's BA's offer, lifted directly from ESS.
Synopsis:
- NO NEW FLEET
- One crew off the aircraft
- New disruption agreement.
- Reduce downroute nightstops.
Of these 4 main points I believe the 'stopper' for most crew would actually be the least expensive (to BA) item on that list, the downroute nightstops. Crew hate the idea of this - and so would I. It would turn the job into an unmitigated grind.
If Unite/BASSA/Amicus could've got their sh1t together last summer I'm sure that the last item could've been negotiated away (think it was worth £7m IIRC).
Was this really so very far away from 'acceptable' to be worth a strike?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From ESS:-
The proposal – what changes do we need to make to working practices
I’ve made a number of changes to the proposal that I initially tabled at the start of June, as a direct result of listening to your feedback about what was important to you. I am no longer proposing a separate Mixed Fleet at Heathrow. I also withdrew any reductions in worldwide MBTs.
Here is what I proposed to the unions on 29 June:
Put our customers first during times of disruption by implementing a new operational recovery arrangement. This would apply to all fleets and involve all colleagues adopting a flexible approach to their normal working arrangements in order to resolve any disruption as soon as possible. This would include the following:
You know most of this detail already but let me just recap, I am offering a number of opportunities which improve people’s work/lifestyle balance in IFCE alongside any changes we make. These are:
The proposal – what changes do we need to make to working practices
I’ve made a number of changes to the proposal that I initially tabled at the start of June, as a direct result of listening to your feedback about what was important to you. I am no longer proposing a separate Mixed Fleet at Heathrow. I also withdrew any reductions in worldwide MBTs.
Here is what I proposed to the unions on 29 June:
- Pay
I accepted Unite’s original offer of a two year basic pay freeze until February 2011 and a one year increment freeze for those on a basic salary of over £14,500 pa (from 1 January 2010 until 31 December 2010). This is accepted on the basis of a permanent saving, not a temporary loan.
- New contracts for future crew at Heathrow
I accepted Unite’s informal proposal of an integrated approach for all main crew recruited at Heathrow joining on new rates of pay and terms and conditions. This is accepted on the basis that all future promotion opportunities for new and existing crew will be to a new single grade and contract. The pay structure for this new grade has not been discussed.
- The option of a new fixed monthly duty payment
Some of you have expressed concern that the introduction of new recruits will have a financial impact on you, and in particular the taxable allowances you receive on certain trips. These concerns are around the cherry-picking of routes and starving existing crew of work.
In response, I am offering an option to replace the current variable allowances paid to Heathrow crews with a new, simplified, fixed monthly duty payment. This would be standardised by grade and fleet, regardless of your actual flying roster. Meal allowances would continue to be variable and paid as at present and your basic pay will obviously remain unchanged. This approach would also overcome roster ‘fair share’ by doing away with high and low earning routes, an issue that I know you are concerned about.
This element, which would only be paid to current crew at Heathrow, would be based on the averages of last year’s actual figures paid within these grades and fleets. It doesn’t cost the company any more money and would help you as individuals to better plan.
NB, this new fixed monthly duty payment is only an option and retaining all of the existing variable allowances, as now, would also be acceptable instead.
Naturally you will want to know what allowances would be consolidated:
- Long Range Premiums (box payments)
- Back To Back Payments
- Destination Payments
- Extra Time Payments
- Time Away Allowance
- Telephone Allowance
- Long Day Payments
- Extra Time Payment
- Base Early Report
- Telephone Allowance
- Reduced crew complements
Like all of you, I am very passionate about our focus on the customer and with this in mind I have proposed a balanced approach that minimises reductions onboard and includes significant changes to productivity on the ground:
- One purser position will be removed from all Heathrow Worldwide flights (747,777,767), but with all Worldwide CSDs included in the customer service routines
- Removal of the additional main crew members on Heathrow long range routes and additional crew member routes (12 destinations)
- Reduce down route double night stops to single nights (14 destinations)
- Early day report will be removed to allow crew to report for duty from 06:01 onwards.
- The crew complements on Eurofleet flights will be varied to make them consistent with those currently operated at Gatwick
- Days off per month reduced from 10 days to 9 days off for all Eurofleet Heathrow crew, in line with Gatwick
- The use of a single supervisor on all Eurofleet flights, either a CSD or a purser, balancing the work between these grades
- Extend the finish time before days off on Eurofleet to 22:00.
- One purser position will be replaced with a main crew member on 777 3-class aircraft at Gatwick, consistent with Heathrow.
- Maximise the utilisation of ICC crew on existing designated routes.
Put our customers first during times of disruption by implementing a new operational recovery arrangement. This would apply to all fleets and involve all colleagues adopting a flexible approach to their normal working arrangements in order to resolve any disruption as soon as possible. This would include the following:
- Re-plan and re-route services to repatriate our customers
- Cabin Crew may be required to vary their scheduled roster and to undertake such additional or different duties as may be required to continue to provide our services
- Use 24 hour availability with 12 hours’ notice to call forward Cabin Crew in order to gap fill
- Restrict Eurofleet Cabin Crew from requesting 18 hours off in the event of a delay
- Contact Cabin Crew at home to advise of roster changes during disruption
- Introduction of willing-to-work
- Operate with reduced crew complements.
- Moving B767 routes to Eurofleet
There is an option to explore the possibility of transferring the B767 routes from Worldwide to Eurofleet.
You know most of this detail already but let me just recap, I am offering a number of opportunities which improve people’s work/lifestyle balance in IFCE alongside any changes we make. These are:
- Permanent part time contracts, available to all grades
707 crew have applied for permanent part time on the new list that we ran in June, in addition to the 4,678 crew who were already on the existing lists. We would also open a new list for 33% part-time contracts for an additional 150 crew. - Voluntary redundancy
3,722 crew have registered their interest. This is a ‘best offer’ opportunity to a maximum of 52 weeks. - Transfers
Once both part-time and voluntary redundancy have been exhausted, we will review transfers between Eurofleet and Worldwide for the 2,946 crew at Heathrow who are already on the existing transfer waiting list in line with operational and business need. Please note that there will be no further permanent recruitment or permanent transfers into Heathrow on the existing Heathrow contract as this would increase costs.
Last edited by dave747436; 4th Mar 2010 at 06:07.
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Wascrew
Wascrew, there were further offers, one in October which I also lifted in its entirety & posted here (in the last week or 2, check my old posts).
Regarding balance, I was trying not to take any view at all!(Not easy, might have failed...!)
This was an offer on the table that BASSA/Amicus could have accepted - just bringing this to the attention of the forumites here present.
Don't think it really needs balance - it's not an argument or a point-of-view. It's an offer made to BA CC, so may stand alone unless a BASSA supporter has further information as to WHY this offer was not acceptable?
Regarding balance, I was trying not to take any view at all!(Not easy, might have failed...!)
This was an offer on the table that BASSA/Amicus could have accepted - just bringing this to the attention of the forumites here present.
Don't think it really needs balance - it's not an argument or a point-of-view. It's an offer made to BA CC, so may stand alone unless a BASSA supporter has further information as to WHY this offer was not acceptable?
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Dave:
Those proposals were superceded on 6 Oct when we got the email telling us that the following was to be imposed, effective 16 Nov:
Change in crew complements (effectively 1 crew member off WW and EF, with WW CSDs becoming part of the service)
2 year pay freeze
New Fleet (seperate fleet for new recruits under new T&Cs)
Litebulbs:
Why on earth should BA have to effectively downgrade the service just to appease Unite? We are working "marginally" harder, and the majority of crew are now beginning to realise that it is a small sacrifice to make in order to keep our jobs, and current pay. In fact, it is no sacrifice at all - LGW crew have been doing it for a few years now - and 70% of them have volunteered to work during the strike. What does that tell you?
The PCCC would have negotiated a deal that was win-win for everyone and would not affect the customers in any way. The lack of respect for the customers' needs that you have outlined is precisely the reason why we need to move forward in BA and find a better, more productive way of conducting employee relations. One in which the customer, the company and the employee are kept in balance and one is not marginalised for the benefit of the other. That is precisely what the Professional Cabin Crew Council is determined to do.
I am BA cabin crew and the above represents my own viewpoint and not that of BA.
Those proposals were superceded on 6 Oct when we got the email telling us that the following was to be imposed, effective 16 Nov:
Change in crew complements (effectively 1 crew member off WW and EF, with WW CSDs becoming part of the service)
2 year pay freeze
New Fleet (seperate fleet for new recruits under new T&Cs)
Litebulbs:
Why on earth should BA have to effectively downgrade the service just to appease Unite? We are working "marginally" harder, and the majority of crew are now beginning to realise that it is a small sacrifice to make in order to keep our jobs, and current pay. In fact, it is no sacrifice at all - LGW crew have been doing it for a few years now - and 70% of them have volunteered to work during the strike. What does that tell you?
The PCCC would have negotiated a deal that was win-win for everyone and would not affect the customers in any way. The lack of respect for the customers' needs that you have outlined is precisely the reason why we need to move forward in BA and find a better, more productive way of conducting employee relations. One in which the customer, the company and the employee are kept in balance and one is not marginalised for the benefit of the other. That is precisely what the Professional Cabin Crew Council is determined to do.
I am BA cabin crew and the above represents my own viewpoint and not that of BA.
Last edited by HiFlyer14; 4th Mar 2010 at 10:11.
sick out?
I guess with the date of likely IA getting close the " sick out " will start soon with those who think they wont be noticed if they are sick before the date is announced.
bb
bb
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new fleet
Dave747436 sorry `balanced` was wrong choice of word
I think there was an update in November which mentioned new fleet and the way that routes would be transferred to it.As far as I remember it the assurance was that new fleet would not come in until there was growth in the business/routes and trips would be banded (A,B,C) and transferred pro rata, thereby giving current crew some assurances.
I don`t think new fleet has ever been off the table just the way it is brought about and integrated.
Looking at some of WW words from y/day, for example, he quotes BA`s cost v QF as being 36% higher. Without those assurances re- new fleet it would make good business sense as QF have done to have cheaper crew operating those routes.
If BASSA don`t agree to anything and/or go on strike and WW invokes 90 day SOSR, (which, imho will be something akin to the june/oct/nov/dec proposals and not new contracts for all but without assurances about route transfers, thereby recouping the extra cost to the company of the impact of the proposed IA) then what is to stop WW creating BA Far East cabin crew as a start for the new contract people? Therefore starting with the routes that are most expensive in terms of CC costs. (NRT/HKG/SIN/BKK/PEK)
To my mind BASSA`s only hope for survival is to bite the bullet and agree `reluctantly` to the best of BA`s offers. The stumbling block is that BASSA need one `big issue` over which they can claim victory. Any ideas?
But the longer it goes on the more WW and BA can`t allow BASSA to survive.
I think there was an update in November which mentioned new fleet and the way that routes would be transferred to it.As far as I remember it the assurance was that new fleet would not come in until there was growth in the business/routes and trips would be banded (A,B,C) and transferred pro rata, thereby giving current crew some assurances.
I don`t think new fleet has ever been off the table just the way it is brought about and integrated.
Looking at some of WW words from y/day, for example, he quotes BA`s cost v QF as being 36% higher. Without those assurances re- new fleet it would make good business sense as QF have done to have cheaper crew operating those routes.
If BASSA don`t agree to anything and/or go on strike and WW invokes 90 day SOSR, (which, imho will be something akin to the june/oct/nov/dec proposals and not new contracts for all but without assurances about route transfers, thereby recouping the extra cost to the company of the impact of the proposed IA) then what is to stop WW creating BA Far East cabin crew as a start for the new contract people? Therefore starting with the routes that are most expensive in terms of CC costs. (NRT/HKG/SIN/BKK/PEK)
To my mind BASSA`s only hope for survival is to bite the bullet and agree `reluctantly` to the best of BA`s offers. The stumbling block is that BASSA need one `big issue` over which they can claim victory. Any ideas?
But the longer it goes on the more WW and BA can`t allow BASSA to survive.
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What has the reaction to WW's meeting been like on CrewForum and BASSA Forum?
From what I have heard, crew in the CRC were still refusing to believe any of the facts, even the 'undisputed' chronology from the court, and were calling WW a liar each time he said something.
Has the penny finally dropped in the other forums, or are they a lost cause now?
From what I have heard, crew in the CRC were still refusing to believe any of the facts, even the 'undisputed' chronology from the court, and were calling WW a liar each time he said something.
Has the penny finally dropped in the other forums, or are they a lost cause now?
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I'm afraid the reaction in both places has been total denial. The brainwashed are taking this a sign that Walsh is under pressure from the board and is desperate (of course everything is taken as a sign that Walsh is under pressure and desperate). They have convinced themselves that Walsh is rattled and Unite have the upper hand in negotiations. They have convinced themselves that they will win a strike when it comes. They have convinced themselves that BASSA and CC89s refusal to sit in the same room and negotiate is a lie made up by BA and is only reported in the judges court findings because Unites QC didn't make an effort to refute the allegations. I almost despair when I read what they write. They genuinely have no idea what's coming to them.
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Hiflyer14
Sorry to be a pedant. How do you know that 70% of LGW CC voted not to strike? Wasn't it a secret ballot?
Watersidewonker
You are playing a now you see me, now you don't game! You post then delete. For those of us that aren't online to Pprune 24/7 it is a little annoying that posters refer to your post that has miraculously disappeared. If you have something valid to say, say it and don't delete it so we can all see what you are saying so that we can respond as appropriate!
LGW crew have been doing it for a few years now - and 70% of them have voted not to strike.
Watersidewonker
You are playing a now you see me, now you don't game! You post then delete. For those of us that aren't online to Pprune 24/7 it is a little annoying that posters refer to your post that has miraculously disappeared. If you have something valid to say, say it and don't delete it so we can all see what you are saying so that we can respond as appropriate!
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It seems extremely unlikely that the "penny will drop" with the most ardent pro-strikers. To admit that they have been out manoeuvered would be to kick away the props that support their fantasy world.
The world where "union = good, employer = bad" without question.
The loss of credibility when this long running soap opera is finally over is likely to be terminal anyway. The future will be different, and whilst I doubt the worst imaginings of the BASSA heirarchy will be realised, the fact that they have been so unprofessional, incompetent and deceitful in their behaviour will seal their fate.
The world where "union = good, employer = bad" without question.
The loss of credibility when this long running soap opera is finally over is likely to be terminal anyway. The future will be different, and whilst I doubt the worst imaginings of the BASSA heirarchy will be realised, the fact that they have been so unprofessional, incompetent and deceitful in their behaviour will seal their fate.
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HiFlyer14
The PCCC would have negotiated a deal that was win-win for everyone and would not affect the customers in any way.
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Keelbeam:
Apologies - I realise now this could be misleading and have now rephrased - 70% of LGW cabin crew have volunteered to work during a strike (information given by WW yesterday at the meeting).
BAshareholder:
The PCCC have outlined to the crew members registered with us the type of things we would like to have negotiated on and you can find out further information about us at www.professionalcrewcouncil.com. If you are a current cabin crew member and are interested in joining the PCCC you can email us at [email protected].
I am BA cabin crew and this is my own viewpoint and not that of BA.
Sorry to be a pedant. How do you know that 70% of LGW CC voted not to strike? Wasn't it a secret ballot?
BAshareholder:
The PCCC have outlined to the crew members registered with us the type of things we would like to have negotiated on and you can find out further information about us at www.professionalcrewcouncil.com. If you are a current cabin crew member and are interested in joining the PCCC you can email us at [email protected].
I am BA cabin crew and this is my own viewpoint and not that of BA.
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What would your deal have been that would have been win-win for both?
Target (original) £84m
New crew complements = £60m
New disruption agreement+fixed links+pay freeze (still get increments)
err, thats it. BA gets new cost base, more efficient EF rostering, and flexability in disruption.
Crew get no pay cut, and slight increase in work load. As well as no new fleet.
What BASSA never realised was these were talks of concessionary bargining, ie the cuts WERE going to be made. Their job was to make the cuts as painless as possible.
They wrongly believed that if they made it difficult enough BA would go away. In addition to this they clearly did not take legal advice until way too late to discover the tools available to BA if no agreement was reached. This combination left them badly exposed to what is now unfolding (imposition/weak strike).
This is dreadful representation, where ever crew end up now will be worse than a properly negotiated outcome. Afterwards the current leadership of BASSA must be exposed as the liers and incompetants that they are, and a sea change in the direction of BASSA.
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From our friends at the Socialist Worker, enemies of capitalists everywhere:
They just don't seem to realise a strike is EXACTLY what BA want now.
BA aren't after cabin crew; they're not even after BASSA cabin crew.
They are after BASSA reps and other troublemakers who are constantly bringing the airline down. The sooner they are rid of them, the better.
Where is the BA cabin crew dispute going?
For the third time in four months hundreds of British Airways cabin crew assembled for a joint branch meeting on 25 February at Kempton Park race course. This was the first mass meeting since a court injunction halted strike action over Christmas. Since then a re-ballot of cabin crew returned a thumping majority of 80.7% in favour of industrial action, on a 78.7% turnout.
In the run up to the ballot result an online poll was organised by BASSA, the Unite branch for BA cabin crew. This found over two thirds of members in favour of a ten-day strike. More than 3,600 BASSA members voted in the poll - about a third of BA's entire cabin crew workforce.
There have been statements from national Unite leaders and BA management hinting at "meaningful discussions" and "some progress" in talks between the union and the company.
All of this contributed to an air of expectation of either concessions or action amongst union members going into the meeting.
But the workers emerged with no dates for strike action. All that had been announced was unspecified progress in talks.
One cabin crew worker complained to us that it was not clear what had been achieved so far and what the union was going to do next.
If BA have made significant concessions without the union naming dates for strike action, so much the better. But BA management's behaviour up to this point has been one of refusing to negotiate with the unions, imposing change unilaterally, harassing union activists and attacking industrial action through the courts.
BA chief Willie Walsh built his reputation at Aer Lingus as a hardliner who takes on the unions. Now, under no pressure from looming dates for strike action, BA management is prepared to make concessions? It is more likely that BA is manoeuvring to avoid a strike announcement, strengthening their hand in negotiations.
Any deal that allows for the introduction of a separate fleet of aircraft, crewed under inferior terms and conditions will be seen as a defeat. It will open the door to significantly weakening union strength at the company. A recent provocative advertisement by Ryanair stating they are the 'no strike airline' illustrates what sort of future BA want.
If a fair deal proves impossible then strike action should start. By deferring the announcement of strike action, Unite are in danger of frittering away workers' support.
Under the anti trade union laws the union must trigger industrial action within 28 days of the ballot result announcement. Every day spent in negotiation is another day for management to apply more pressure on staff.
BA seem to think Unite should negotiate with them even though they are actively witch hunting union activists and threatening to withdraw travel perks from staff. The strike weapon is the only thing an intransigent employer respects.
For the third time in four months hundreds of British Airways cabin crew assembled for a joint branch meeting on 25 February at Kempton Park race course. This was the first mass meeting since a court injunction halted strike action over Christmas. Since then a re-ballot of cabin crew returned a thumping majority of 80.7% in favour of industrial action, on a 78.7% turnout.
In the run up to the ballot result an online poll was organised by BASSA, the Unite branch for BA cabin crew. This found over two thirds of members in favour of a ten-day strike. More than 3,600 BASSA members voted in the poll - about a third of BA's entire cabin crew workforce.
There have been statements from national Unite leaders and BA management hinting at "meaningful discussions" and "some progress" in talks between the union and the company.
All of this contributed to an air of expectation of either concessions or action amongst union members going into the meeting.
But the workers emerged with no dates for strike action. All that had been announced was unspecified progress in talks.
One cabin crew worker complained to us that it was not clear what had been achieved so far and what the union was going to do next.
If BA have made significant concessions without the union naming dates for strike action, so much the better. But BA management's behaviour up to this point has been one of refusing to negotiate with the unions, imposing change unilaterally, harassing union activists and attacking industrial action through the courts.
BA chief Willie Walsh built his reputation at Aer Lingus as a hardliner who takes on the unions. Now, under no pressure from looming dates for strike action, BA management is prepared to make concessions? It is more likely that BA is manoeuvring to avoid a strike announcement, strengthening their hand in negotiations.
Any deal that allows for the introduction of a separate fleet of aircraft, crewed under inferior terms and conditions will be seen as a defeat. It will open the door to significantly weakening union strength at the company. A recent provocative advertisement by Ryanair stating they are the 'no strike airline' illustrates what sort of future BA want.
If a fair deal proves impossible then strike action should start. By deferring the announcement of strike action, Unite are in danger of frittering away workers' support.
Under the anti trade union laws the union must trigger industrial action within 28 days of the ballot result announcement. Every day spent in negotiation is another day for management to apply more pressure on staff.
BA seem to think Unite should negotiate with them even though they are actively witch hunting union activists and threatening to withdraw travel perks from staff. The strike weapon is the only thing an intransigent employer respects.
BA aren't after cabin crew; they're not even after BASSA cabin crew.
They are after BASSA reps and other troublemakers who are constantly bringing the airline down. The sooner they are rid of them, the better.