British Airways vs. BASSA (Airline Staff Only)
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From the desk of Duncan 'deathwish' Holley
It’s make or break time.
Mr. Walsh knows this too, that’s why he declined the offer of further talks this week; he wants to see if he can starve people back to work. It would seem that he is still determined to test your resolve and prove his point, regardless of the impact on our airline. Passengers simply aren’t flying with us and what service they are getting is very reduced - and yet elements of the media still seem to think this is a sensible way to run an airline.
Mr. Walsh knows this too, that’s why he declined the offer of further talks this week; he wants to see if he can starve people back to work. It would seem that he is still determined to test your resolve and prove his point, regardless of the impact on our airline. Passengers simply aren’t flying with us and what service they are getting is very reduced - and yet elements of the media still seem to think this is a sensible way to run an airline.
Your organisation has slowly backed itself into a corner over the past 20 months or so. You have loaded the gun. You've held the gun to your head. You've put your finger on the trigger and you've told everyone who will listen that unless WW leaves your going to pull the trigger. He's not going to leave and he is not going to back down. So in the vast majority of BA employees personal opinions and an increasing number of BASSA and former BASSA members opinions (2000 to date) that;
- It's because of your personal poor judgement that your members are 'starving'.
- It's because of your suicidal strategy that our passengers are choosing not to book with us.
Duncan, you are the problem in this dispute. WW is not. His medicine might not taste nice at times but your current position is poison. For everyone's sake, climb down. Please make one sensible judgement and don't let your members become martyrs - compromise isn't a dirty word.
Last edited by demomonkey; 1st Jun 2010 at 12:06. Reason: It's time for a change. Go mypccc.co.uk, go away BASSA.
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Demonmonkey
IMO you have hit the nail on the head. The biggest problem in this ridiculous dispute is DH. He has decided to take himself and his supporters on a journey that they cannot win.....he is no longer employed by the company and yet has taken it upon himself to become the spokesperson for the masses (I thought LM was the chairperson?).
Why are BASSA members not waking up to reality? Do they honestly believe the insane ramblings from DH? If I was a member of BASSA and supporting this dispute I would be giving myself a serious talking to and backing the right team before it's too late.
IMO you have hit the nail on the head. The biggest problem in this ridiculous dispute is DH. He has decided to take himself and his supporters on a journey that they cannot win.....he is no longer employed by the company and yet has taken it upon himself to become the spokesperson for the masses (I thought LM was the chairperson?).
Why are BASSA members not waking up to reality? Do they honestly believe the insane ramblings from DH? If I was a member of BASSA and supporting this dispute I would be giving myself a serious talking to and backing the right team before it's too late.
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Juan's reply to malcolmf
malcolmf wrote:
Juan Odeboyse replied
That's a bit rich! Clearly, like the majority, we think independently on this forum.
Maybe if the minority strikers stepped out of the blinkered bassa bubble, and did the same thing, we would'nt be in this mess.
Something the strikers seem not to have asked themselves is why so many different branches of the company are acting like this? Are we all really management stooges?
I think you've answered your question yourself.
Maybe if the minority strikers stepped out of the blinkered bassa bubble, and did the same thing, we would'nt be in this mess.
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Juan
Another grenade thrown in but still no answers to any direct questions. How about you telling us where Mz Malone is?
Spin Doctor
Kids like roundabouts as well
Demonmomkey
Never a truer word said
Spin Doctor
Kids like roundabouts as well
Demonmomkey
Never a truer word said
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And the schedule is ramped up yet again... 
The airline will be increasing its flying schedule during Unite’s five day strike (June 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) due to the growing numbers of cabin crew who want to work as normal.
At Heathrow the longhaul schedule will be increased to more than 80 per cent of flights (up from more than 70 per cent this week and 60 per cent in the first strike period). Shorthaul will increase to 60 per cent of flights (up from more than 55 per cent this week and more than 50 per cent in the first strike period).
Flights at Gatwick will remain unaffected by industrial action due to the levels of cabin crew ignoring Unite’s strike calls. Flights at London City airport will also operate as normal.
The airline will also fly a full schedule (26 departures a week) to South Africa with thousands of fans due to fly out to Johannesburg and Cape Town from Heathrow Terminal 5 ahead of the World Cup kick-off.
It will also continue to fly the entire Heathrow to New York JFK schedule and serve in excess of 85 per cent of its longhaul destinations and 100 per cent of its shorthaul network.
[...]
The airline will continue to lease up to eight aircraft from other UK or European airlines to supplement the shorthaul schedule at Heathrow.
At Heathrow the longhaul schedule will be increased to more than 80 per cent of flights (up from more than 70 per cent this week and 60 per cent in the first strike period). Shorthaul will increase to 60 per cent of flights (up from more than 55 per cent this week and more than 50 per cent in the first strike period).
Flights at Gatwick will remain unaffected by industrial action due to the levels of cabin crew ignoring Unite’s strike calls. Flights at London City airport will also operate as normal.
The airline will also fly a full schedule (26 departures a week) to South Africa with thousands of fans due to fly out to Johannesburg and Cape Town from Heathrow Terminal 5 ahead of the World Cup kick-off.
It will also continue to fly the entire Heathrow to New York JFK schedule and serve in excess of 85 per cent of its longhaul destinations and 100 per cent of its shorthaul network.
[...]
The airline will continue to lease up to eight aircraft from other UK or European airlines to supplement the shorthaul schedule at Heathrow.
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A new BA?
And the schedule is ramped up yet again...
An airline that people will choose to fly with for efficiency, generated by high morale staff?
We've a long way to go, but if we move ahead and sideline those who have very different agendas, then maybe, just maybe!
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to ranger07
Quote:
And the schedule is ramped up yet again...
Yes my friend...full of empty flights on the sky!!!
Everybody can do that...even Willie Walsh...
Back BA!!! I am looking fwd to sign and to see you sign the new contract,
as I am not bothered anymore about staff travel!!!
then maybe you guys will vote for a strike, and us strikers, will go to work
by taxi and surrounded by bodyguards...
Happy life birds
Quote:
And the schedule is ramped up yet again...
Yes my friend...full of empty flights on the sky!!!
Everybody can do that...even Willie Walsh...
Back BA!!! I am looking fwd to sign and to see you sign the new contract,
as I am not bothered anymore about staff travel!!!
then maybe you guys will vote for a strike, and us strikers, will go to work
by taxi and surrounded by bodyguards...
Happy life birds
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I am looking fwd to sign and to see you sign the new contract,
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Mr wash your private...
I think you have been reading a little too much spin. Those at work know that we are flying with crew and a lot of passengers.
BA now knows who is coming in and who isn't. I have not had a C/C no show in this most recent strike period. The other interesting fact is the car park gets a little more full every day.
I think you have been reading a little too much spin. Those at work know that we are flying with crew and a lot of passengers.
BA now knows who is coming in and who isn't. I have not had a C/C no show in this most recent strike period. The other interesting fact is the car park gets a little more full every day.
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Published On:Monday, May 31, 2010
THE TRIBUNE
BRITISH AIRWAYS is in trouble -- plenty of trouble. We have not been following the strike against the airline, but if what has been happening with flights to New Providence in the past few days is any indication, those within the union who have said they would not be "sad to see BA fail" might yet get their wish.
Talks between the airline and the union broke down again on Friday with the announcement that the strike will continue until June 9. Apparently the crunch is now over concessions.
British Executive Officer Willie Walsh has made it clear that the airline will never reinstate concessions to staff who went on strike. Derek Simpson, the striking Unite's joint leader replied: "He has refused to reinstate travel concessions in full despite Unite making it clear that the union would suspend the strike if he did so."
The strike is estimated to cost BA £105 million.
"British Airways seems resigned to facing the short-term losses in order to secure changes in working practices and cost savings in the longer term," said Jonathan Wober, an analyst at Societe Generale SA in London with a "hold" recommendation on the stock. "Shareholders seem to be regarding this as a one-off cost, as long as the results that are realized are in BA management's favour."
Union and management have locked horns over pay and staffing levels for BA's 12,000 cabin crew.
Derek Simpson now wants the negotiations to be in front of the cameras. "Let the world see what this is all about," he said. "If people could see what he (Walsh) is doing, they would know who to blame."
Mr Simpson might be embarrassed by the cameras if there is a repeat of the loud- mouthed protesters who interrupted delicate union-management negotiations in support of the cabin crew last week. Even an angry union leader had to shout them down, telling them that if in fact they supported the cabin crew they would leave the building immediately. Their behaviour certainly did not help the union's cause -- certainly not with the public who witnessed their skin-head behaviour.
According to BA more flights were planned in the coming days during the industrial action because more cabin crews were reporting for duty. On the Internet, in the meantime, BA is advertising round-trip fares to London as low as $296 return.
Now this is what has been happening here in New Providence.
A BA Boeing 767, which can accommodate 189 passengers, arrived at Lynden Pindling airport on Wednesday with only the flight deck on board -- three persons. There were no passengers, although, we understand, the aircraft was fully catered for passengers. It arrived at its 3.25pm scheduled time Wednesday, and left, again on schedule, at 9.40 the same evening. This is what we have confirmed.
We tried to find out why the company would waste so much fuel flying both ways empty, rather than remaining at Heathrow. The person asked was not certain, but presumed that it was a slotting problem at Heathrow airport. In other words an aircraft has a parking time slot, which it has to vacate when its time is up. We were not able to confirm this report.
And why was an empty aircraft fully catered for non-existent passengers? Again the person did not know, but believed it was something to do with union agreements that an aircraft cannot get airborne unless it is fully catered. Again this report has not been confirmed.
And what happened to the food? We understand it had to be dumped in Nassau. The rules say food cannot be given to the poor after a certain number of hours. Again the dumping of the food is an unconfirmed report.
However, what is confirmed is that BA flew its Boeing to Nassau again on schedule Friday.
It was empty. It returned to London with a handful of passengers. The same thing happened on Saturday -- the Boeing arrived empty and left empty.
There was a repeat performance yesterday, Sunday, except that it left with a few passengers. The same is expected to happen again tomorrow.
Not only is BA losing financially, but just imagine the number of passengers who are not arriving in the Bahamas.
It is now a matter of who blinks first before there is an end to this test of wills
THE TRIBUNE
BRITISH AIRWAYS is in trouble -- plenty of trouble. We have not been following the strike against the airline, but if what has been happening with flights to New Providence in the past few days is any indication, those within the union who have said they would not be "sad to see BA fail" might yet get their wish.
Talks between the airline and the union broke down again on Friday with the announcement that the strike will continue until June 9. Apparently the crunch is now over concessions.
British Executive Officer Willie Walsh has made it clear that the airline will never reinstate concessions to staff who went on strike. Derek Simpson, the striking Unite's joint leader replied: "He has refused to reinstate travel concessions in full despite Unite making it clear that the union would suspend the strike if he did so."
The strike is estimated to cost BA £105 million.
"British Airways seems resigned to facing the short-term losses in order to secure changes in working practices and cost savings in the longer term," said Jonathan Wober, an analyst at Societe Generale SA in London with a "hold" recommendation on the stock. "Shareholders seem to be regarding this as a one-off cost, as long as the results that are realized are in BA management's favour."
Union and management have locked horns over pay and staffing levels for BA's 12,000 cabin crew.
Derek Simpson now wants the negotiations to be in front of the cameras. "Let the world see what this is all about," he said. "If people could see what he (Walsh) is doing, they would know who to blame."
Mr Simpson might be embarrassed by the cameras if there is a repeat of the loud- mouthed protesters who interrupted delicate union-management negotiations in support of the cabin crew last week. Even an angry union leader had to shout them down, telling them that if in fact they supported the cabin crew they would leave the building immediately. Their behaviour certainly did not help the union's cause -- certainly not with the public who witnessed their skin-head behaviour.
According to BA more flights were planned in the coming days during the industrial action because more cabin crews were reporting for duty. On the Internet, in the meantime, BA is advertising round-trip fares to London as low as $296 return.
Now this is what has been happening here in New Providence.
A BA Boeing 767, which can accommodate 189 passengers, arrived at Lynden Pindling airport on Wednesday with only the flight deck on board -- three persons. There were no passengers, although, we understand, the aircraft was fully catered for passengers. It arrived at its 3.25pm scheduled time Wednesday, and left, again on schedule, at 9.40 the same evening. This is what we have confirmed.
We tried to find out why the company would waste so much fuel flying both ways empty, rather than remaining at Heathrow. The person asked was not certain, but presumed that it was a slotting problem at Heathrow airport. In other words an aircraft has a parking time slot, which it has to vacate when its time is up. We were not able to confirm this report.
And why was an empty aircraft fully catered for non-existent passengers? Again the person did not know, but believed it was something to do with union agreements that an aircraft cannot get airborne unless it is fully catered. Again this report has not been confirmed.
And what happened to the food? We understand it had to be dumped in Nassau. The rules say food cannot be given to the poor after a certain number of hours. Again the dumping of the food is an unconfirmed report.
However, what is confirmed is that BA flew its Boeing to Nassau again on schedule Friday.
It was empty. It returned to London with a handful of passengers. The same thing happened on Saturday -- the Boeing arrived empty and left empty.
There was a repeat performance yesterday, Sunday, except that it left with a few passengers. The same is expected to happen again tomorrow.
Not only is BA losing financially, but just imagine the number of passengers who are not arriving in the Bahamas.
It is now a matter of who blinks first before there is an end to this test of wills
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willie.wash
I have been informed that all the deluded BASSA supporters are rejoicing in the fact that our flights are empty. Well sorry to burst your bubble guys but I have just finished a 7 day block and all my flights every day were jam packed just enough space to accommodate commuters coming to work and reporting for duty.
With reference to your comments about ALL of us signing new contracts, might I suggest you read back over your emails from Bill Francis, in particular the one that refers to Backing BA supporters continuing to work our network, stay in current hotels and continue with current t & c's.
And if you read further down you will see the part that says strikers will lose money, staff travel and will no longer be guaranteed the same t & c's .............I think it's only the last point which he has yet to act on.
Which of course he will........lets face it BA has stuck to it's word on everything else!!!!! Watch this space!
I have been informed that all the deluded BASSA supporters are rejoicing in the fact that our flights are empty. Well sorry to burst your bubble guys but I have just finished a 7 day block and all my flights every day were jam packed just enough space to accommodate commuters coming to work and reporting for duty.
With reference to your comments about ALL of us signing new contracts, might I suggest you read back over your emails from Bill Francis, in particular the one that refers to Backing BA supporters continuing to work our network, stay in current hotels and continue with current t & c's.
And if you read further down you will see the part that says strikers will lose money, staff travel and will no longer be guaranteed the same t & c's .............I think it's only the last point which he has yet to act on.
Which of course he will........lets face it BA has stuck to it's word on everything else!!!!! Watch this space!
Junior trash
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to ranger07
Quote:
And the schedule is ramped up yet again...
Yes my friend...full of empty flights on the sky!!!
Everybody can do that...even Willie Walsh...
Back BA!!! I am looking fwd to sign and to see you sign the new contract,
as I am not bothered anymore about staff travel!!!
then maybe you guys will vote for a strike, and us strikers, will go to work
by taxi and surrounded by bodyguards...
Happy life birds
Quote:
And the schedule is ramped up yet again...
Yes my friend...full of empty flights on the sky!!!
Everybody can do that...even Willie Walsh...
Back BA!!! I am looking fwd to sign and to see you sign the new contract,
as I am not bothered anymore about staff travel!!!
then maybe you guys will vote for a strike, and us strikers, will go to work
by taxi and surrounded by bodyguards...
Happy life birds
There are some people like this who sincerely believe that BA is publishing a schedule to the public of empty aircraft. (for info Willie any empty flights are ADDITIONAL to this schedule)
Never once does it occur to these deluded individuals that the flights are operating full of passengers and fully crewed because BASSA doesnt say so.
It does not cross peoples minds that the press would be full of people complaining of short notice cancellations and disruptions if there actually were any.
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I probably was not too clear:
I am and will be very happy to sign the new contract.
Ba never kept its word as they said a while ago new fleet was not coming in, instead it will be in place very soon.
Ba was fighting for survival in March and some cabin crew left their allowances to the company, the same company that on these days is wasting money as no agreement has been reached yet.
Happy flying birds
I am and will be very happy to sign the new contract.
Ba never kept its word as they said a while ago new fleet was not coming in, instead it will be in place very soon.
Ba was fighting for survival in March and some cabin crew left their allowances to the company, the same company that on these days is wasting money as no agreement has been reached yet.
Happy flying birds
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Dear Troll, sorry wash,
BA demanded cost savings from all departments, not just IFcE. The departments were told to investigate those costs. BASSA just blustered and stonewalled as usual.
After the imposition (after 12 months of pointless waffle from BASSA) the Union were told that discussion was available about the future of New Fleet. BASSA refused once again, instead following a self destructive IA route.
You reap what you sow, BASSA have, by inapprporiate action at an inappropriate time, hastened the inception of new fleet!
Well done.
Enjoy 'Big Brother' even channel four realised it was hopeless keeping that wheezing old show on the road. What a fantastically appropriate analogy.
Enjoy the cakes.
BA demanded cost savings from all departments, not just IFcE. The departments were told to investigate those costs. BASSA just blustered and stonewalled as usual.
After the imposition (after 12 months of pointless waffle from BASSA) the Union were told that discussion was available about the future of New Fleet. BASSA refused once again, instead following a self destructive IA route.
You reap what you sow, BASSA have, by inapprporiate action at an inappropriate time, hastened the inception of new fleet!
Well done.
Enjoy 'Big Brother' even channel four realised it was hopeless keeping that wheezing old show on the road. What a fantastically appropriate analogy.
Enjoy the cakes.
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willie wash
And the schedule is ramped up yet again...
Yes my friend...full of empty flights on the sky!!!
Everybody can do that...even Willie Walsh...
Yes my friend...full of empty flights on the sky!!!
Everybody can do that...even Willie Walsh...
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Back from soggy Bedfont - another geat turnout today. Well done to all my colleagues in continuing to stand up to the bully walsh.
I and many others noted the vast increase in parked up aircraft around the terms/ hangars today....but of course we are flying an increased schedule I can hear you all rant, but they were there for all to see. I just cannot believe many on here are taking in all the spin from Waterworld, but I suppose thats nothing new.
I and many others noted the vast increase in parked up aircraft around the terms/ hangars today....but of course we are flying an increased schedule I can hear you all rant, but they were there for all to see. I just cannot believe many on here are taking in all the spin from Waterworld, but I suppose thats nothing new.
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To be honest I thought the strike would be over by now, but fair play to the BASSA hardcore they appear to staying out for now. For how much longer who knows. Most agree the grass roots have been misled in such a selfish manner by a small minority.
Lets not forgot everyday BA is on stirke, offering a reducded service, whether it be destination, frequency or product offering, and the possibilty of continued disruption, punters are going elsewhere and who can blame them. This in turn puts all BA employees jobs at risk, putting greater internal pressure on a split and tired workforce.
All the VCC and everyone else backing BA can only do so much, but in the medium term a robust offering which the customer can be confident in has to be delivered. Today marked the start of the holiday season and the months in which the real money is made, BA enter one hand tied behind it's back and is going to lose money to the competition.
It doesn't really matter now how the strike ends, new fleet is happening, the damage has been done, people will lose their jobs and more money will have to be saved to rebuild the finances. My only hope is the product offering can be maintained and BA avoids a slow slide down the airline league table.
Lets not forgot everyday BA is on stirke, offering a reducded service, whether it be destination, frequency or product offering, and the possibilty of continued disruption, punters are going elsewhere and who can blame them. This in turn puts all BA employees jobs at risk, putting greater internal pressure on a split and tired workforce.
All the VCC and everyone else backing BA can only do so much, but in the medium term a robust offering which the customer can be confident in has to be delivered. Today marked the start of the holiday season and the months in which the real money is made, BA enter one hand tied behind it's back and is going to lose money to the competition.
It doesn't really matter now how the strike ends, new fleet is happening, the damage has been done, people will lose their jobs and more money will have to be saved to rebuild the finances. My only hope is the product offering can be maintained and BA avoids a slow slide down the airline league table.
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Juan Odeboyse
Why would we need to believe the spin from waterside? You seem to be missing the point.... we've all been in work and seen it with our own eyes. We are not relying on false information from a union desperate to cling on to the strikers that are leaving the cause and returning to work! (I flew with 5 this week alone)
The schedule is increasing by the day and soon we will be able to operate without the strikers! Carry on eating burgers and bouncing on inflatable castle with painted faces....we don't need you!
Why would we need to believe the spin from waterside? You seem to be missing the point.... we've all been in work and seen it with our own eyes. We are not relying on false information from a union desperate to cling on to the strikers that are leaving the cause and returning to work! (I flew with 5 this week alone)
The schedule is increasing by the day and soon we will be able to operate without the strikers! Carry on eating burgers and bouncing on inflatable castle with painted faces....we don't need you!
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I and many others noted the vast increase in parked up aircraft around the terms/ hangars today....
Oh, nope, just more BASSA spin.
Yawn, off to bed, busy day tomorrow flying empty planes around after a long day of flying equally empty planes aroud. Amazing how all those travelling passengers managed to make it onto our empty flights. Oh well, will have to take it up with security.
Enjoy the cakes.