British Airways vs. BASSA (Airline Staff Only)
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J.O.
I'm a contractor for BA on the freight side, and I can tell you we've been putting more freight through BA this past week than the previous six months.
As for spin, I certainly don't believe yours or BASSAs
As for spin, I certainly don't believe yours or BASSAs
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Juan
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.
Roll on the day when we have a workforce without those set to ruin an Airline and all in it for their own political aims...the majority will prevail
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Juan Odeboyse
Welcome back. I'm going to try to ask a serious question. I've tried before but you don't seem overly keen on engaging in a constructive discussion.
To come onto this thread and "bait" people seems to give you pleasure, but, may I suggest that not providing any arguments or counterpoints does nothing but drive people away from your cause.
The "Pre-amble" was an attempt to get you to engage and answer some questions and points that lots of people genuinely want answered. To start could I ask if you really believe that all of the aircraft are flying around empty? Serious question, I'm interested.
Also, 80% of longhaul will be flown on the next strike dates. Once again genuine question. Does that not worry you? How do you explain these figures?
To come onto this thread and "bait" people seems to give you pleasure, but, may I suggest that not providing any arguments or counterpoints does nothing but drive people away from your cause.
The "Pre-amble" was an attempt to get you to engage and answer some questions and points that lots of people genuinely want answered. To start could I ask if you really believe that all of the aircraft are flying around empty? Serious question, I'm interested.
Also, 80% of longhaul will be flown on the next strike dates. Once again genuine question. Does that not worry you? How do you explain these figures?
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Your wish is my command Churchy
I think this will be the only bulletin from Bedfont today as my other colleagues are stashed away in a secret location as I type, waiting upon the outcome of today's meeting between Woodley and Walsh. That meeting commenced at 16:30 - it could go on late into the night.
The rain and threatening clouds made today's gathering at BFC a more intimate affair as pickets huddled under umbrellas, chat replacing the chanting. And, as usual when crew gather there was lots of gossip.
While at Hatton Cross (and having eventually shrugged off the attentions of a particularly intense SWP worker) I heard of an Italian striking commuter who lives on the West Coast of the USA. To come to work on Saturday she paid full fare on AA. Once on board she was in ECY until the AA crew found out who she was. They upgraded her to First. The Captain then heard about her lost staff travel and has now put her on his concessions for the forseeable future.
Later, over a particularly greasy - but tasty - burger (I now ration myself to one a week and today was the day) I met a girl who lives in Stornaway. When she used to come to work she caught a plane from Stornaway to GLA and then connected to London. Now she catches the 7am ferry to Ullapool - which takes 2 hours, after an hour wait she then catches a bus to Inverness which takes about an hour. She then pays full fare for a flight to LGW and then buses and trains it to LHR eventually arriving about 6pm. She was reluctant to tell me her story because she reckons others make bigger sacrifices and, maybe she is right, but it just goes to show the hardship some crew are prepared to endure while others go to work solely so they can have a cheap holiday. No wonder there is anger out there!
The other excitement of the day came when someone - it wasn't Willie - threw a bottle at the open top bus near the Waggoners pub, which smashed but caused no one any harm. The police were called and those on the bus that saw the incident were asked to give a description of the culprit. Only a crew member could come up with "he wore burgundy overalls".
So talks - as I said at the beggining - are ongoing tonight. The good news is that Nigel and Co are on hand to "advise" Tony Woodley. In the meantime it is business as usual for the next 2 days at least.
I mentioned the academics coming on Thursday to show their support and there is a good chance Mark Steel, the comedian will also be there on Thursday to say a few words. Finally Louise was in contact with Billy Bragg last night and fingers crossed he will pitch up Sunday afternoon to play a few songs.
As for me - its now turning into a bit of a blur as each day blends into one. Thanks to Bev for the especially commissioned XXXX mug, thanks to all the behind the scenes helpers and to all the early morning free breakfast brigade. My breakfast bill this morning was nearly £500! Same again tomorrow for those there between 8am and 10am - bring your sun tan cream I have a feeling temperatures will be rising in and out of the marquee.
I don't think there will be any real news from the secret location talks (just had a text at 18:48 to say nothing happening), but if there is - and I am still reasonably sober - I will post it on the news page - otherwise see you in the morning.
Rgds Duncan
The rain and threatening clouds made today's gathering at BFC a more intimate affair as pickets huddled under umbrellas, chat replacing the chanting. And, as usual when crew gather there was lots of gossip.
While at Hatton Cross (and having eventually shrugged off the attentions of a particularly intense SWP worker) I heard of an Italian striking commuter who lives on the West Coast of the USA. To come to work on Saturday she paid full fare on AA. Once on board she was in ECY until the AA crew found out who she was. They upgraded her to First. The Captain then heard about her lost staff travel and has now put her on his concessions for the forseeable future.
Later, over a particularly greasy - but tasty - burger (I now ration myself to one a week and today was the day) I met a girl who lives in Stornaway. When she used to come to work she caught a plane from Stornaway to GLA and then connected to London. Now she catches the 7am ferry to Ullapool - which takes 2 hours, after an hour wait she then catches a bus to Inverness which takes about an hour. She then pays full fare for a flight to LGW and then buses and trains it to LHR eventually arriving about 6pm. She was reluctant to tell me her story because she reckons others make bigger sacrifices and, maybe she is right, but it just goes to show the hardship some crew are prepared to endure while others go to work solely so they can have a cheap holiday. No wonder there is anger out there!
The other excitement of the day came when someone - it wasn't Willie - threw a bottle at the open top bus near the Waggoners pub, which smashed but caused no one any harm. The police were called and those on the bus that saw the incident were asked to give a description of the culprit. Only a crew member could come up with "he wore burgundy overalls".
So talks - as I said at the beggining - are ongoing tonight. The good news is that Nigel and Co are on hand to "advise" Tony Woodley. In the meantime it is business as usual for the next 2 days at least.
I mentioned the academics coming on Thursday to show their support and there is a good chance Mark Steel, the comedian will also be there on Thursday to say a few words. Finally Louise was in contact with Billy Bragg last night and fingers crossed he will pitch up Sunday afternoon to play a few songs.
As for me - its now turning into a bit of a blur as each day blends into one. Thanks to Bev for the especially commissioned XXXX mug, thanks to all the behind the scenes helpers and to all the early morning free breakfast brigade. My breakfast bill this morning was nearly £500! Same again tomorrow for those there between 8am and 10am - bring your sun tan cream I have a feeling temperatures will be rising in and out of the marquee.
I don't think there will be any real news from the secret location talks (just had a text at 18:48 to say nothing happening), but if there is - and I am still reasonably sober - I will post it on the news page - otherwise see you in the morning.
Rgds Duncan
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Juan Odeboyse
Many posts here pose you questions, but you never seem to reply?
cotswoldchap asks
Standing by!
cotswoldchap asks
To start could I ask if you really believe that all of the aircraft are flying around empty? Serious question, I'm interested.
Also, 80% of longhaul will be flown on the next strike dates. Once again genuine question. Does that not worry you? How do you explain these figures?
Also, 80% of longhaul will be flown on the next strike dates. Once again genuine question. Does that not worry you? How do you explain these figures?
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The past 24 hours have seen a number of troll posts and aggressive/rude nonsense posts appear on these pages.
Rather than answering in kind and making a shambles of a meaningful exchange of opposing ideas, many of you have taken the time to report the nuisance posts instead.
Thereby avoiding an all out flame war.
We from the mod squad are most grateful to all for your reports and for showing restraint.
Rather than answering in kind and making a shambles of a meaningful exchange of opposing ideas, many of you have taken the time to report the nuisance posts instead.
Thereby avoiding an all out flame war.
We from the mod squad are most grateful to all for your reports and for showing restraint.
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I've stayed out of here but have taken an interest in the strike as i have some friends who work for BA. And yes i am aircrew, but not for BA.
The following shocked me
I'm sorry, so the biggest industrial action in BA's history and one of the big players in BASSA is planning on going on a bender tonight?? Surely if he is intending to represent BA cabin crew to the best of his abilities he shouldn't be staying 'reasonably sober' he should be staying bloody tee total during the duration of the strike to act quickly and coherently for the benefit of the people he is claiming to represent.
God forbid something as inconvenient as the careers of the thousands he claims to represent get in the way of a decent social life
The following shocked me
I don't think there will be any real news from the secret location talks (just had a text at 18:48 to say nothing happening), but if there is - and I am still reasonably sober - I will post it on the news page - otherwise see you in the morning.
God forbid something as inconvenient as the careers of the thousands he claims to represent get in the way of a decent social life
Last edited by cortilla; 1st Jun 2010 at 21:25.
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YouTube - BASSA/UNITE - BA CABIN CREW STRIKE - THE TRUTH
The Bassa ship is sunk...........Twas always a high stakes game where the house always wins.
The Bassa ship is sunk...........Twas always a high stakes game where the house always wins.
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This evening, sick making tales of woo drip from the BASSA website, with the usual stomach turning proverbial trash and clap trap
"an Italian striking commuter who lives on the West Coast of the USA. To come to work on Saturday she paid full fare on AA. Once on board she was in ECY until the AA crew found out who she was. They upgraded her to First. The Captain then heard about her lost staff travel and has now put her on his concessions for the forseeable future.
Later, over a particularly greasy - but tasty - burger (I now ration myself to one a week and today was the day) I met a girl who lives in Stornaway. When she used to come to work she caught a plane from Stornaway to GLA and then connected to London. Now she catches the 7am ferry to Ullapool - which takes 2 hours, after an hour wait she then catches a bus to Inverness which takes about an hour. She then pays full fare for a flight to LGW and then buses and trains it to LHR eventually arriving about 6pm.
now let me focus for one minute....just one...it is all thats needed
1. didnt these crew "know of the consequences of their actions before taking them?"
2. were they not told?
3. is this strike about (actually ive forgotten myself now!!!!)
4. showing such dedication in wanting to get to work, shame you dont show the same dedication TO work!
We get told by BASSA to "wake up and smell the coffee" ive got news for them, WE HAVE woken up and smelt the coffee, we have actually drunk the coffee, maybe thats why we are slightly more alert and switched onto the truths than you are!
GET REAL its getting near cruch time!!!
"an Italian striking commuter who lives on the West Coast of the USA. To come to work on Saturday she paid full fare on AA. Once on board she was in ECY until the AA crew found out who she was. They upgraded her to First. The Captain then heard about her lost staff travel and has now put her on his concessions for the forseeable future.
Later, over a particularly greasy - but tasty - burger (I now ration myself to one a week and today was the day) I met a girl who lives in Stornaway. When she used to come to work she caught a plane from Stornaway to GLA and then connected to London. Now she catches the 7am ferry to Ullapool - which takes 2 hours, after an hour wait she then catches a bus to Inverness which takes about an hour. She then pays full fare for a flight to LGW and then buses and trains it to LHR eventually arriving about 6pm.
now let me focus for one minute....just one...it is all thats needed
1. didnt these crew "know of the consequences of their actions before taking them?"
2. were they not told?
3. is this strike about (actually ive forgotten myself now!!!!)
4. showing such dedication in wanting to get to work, shame you dont show the same dedication TO work!
We get told by BASSA to "wake up and smell the coffee" ive got news for them, WE HAVE woken up and smelt the coffee, we have actually drunk the coffee, maybe thats why we are slightly more alert and switched onto the truths than you are!
GET REAL its getting near cruch time!!!
Last edited by report call sign; 1st Jun 2010 at 21:41.
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Empty Planes ?
Anyone who thinks we're flying empty planes, one word 'IBERIA'.
You reckon they'd be happy to merge with a company flogging itself to death ?
The planes aren't empty guys. Walsh has said himself he can run at 100% for any future strikes, so i'm not really sure where this will all end and how we get there.
One thing that strikes me from DHs drunken ramblings. Almost every single 'sob story' involves someone who lives in california, or washington, or the amalfi coast. What about all your members who live in Staines Duncan ? What you doing for them ? Anyone who can afford a full fare flight from west coast US to LHR, just to stand at Bedford chanting abuse at their own boss, won't be getting any sympathy from me i'm afraid.
Hes not doing much to dispel the 'myth' that BA CC are overpaid...
You reckon they'd be happy to merge with a company flogging itself to death ?
The planes aren't empty guys. Walsh has said himself he can run at 100% for any future strikes, so i'm not really sure where this will all end and how we get there.
One thing that strikes me from DHs drunken ramblings. Almost every single 'sob story' involves someone who lives in california, or washington, or the amalfi coast. What about all your members who live in Staines Duncan ? What you doing for them ? Anyone who can afford a full fare flight from west coast US to LHR, just to stand at Bedford chanting abuse at their own boss, won't be getting any sympathy from me i'm afraid.
Hes not doing much to dispel the 'myth' that BA CC are overpaid...
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Just come back from work and we were full both ways. It really makes me sad that the crew who are striking believe that the flights are empty.
I am very upset that some of my fellow workers are striking but I truly feel for them because they are being misled by the union. I don't want anyone to loose their job but the longer this goes on the worse it will be for the whole company.
Part of me wants them to come back to work and see for themselves how full all the flights are and help our employer, BA survive but the other part of me wants them to stay away because it is so nice at work on strike days. Everyone is like minded and cannot understand what the strikers think this strike will achive.
I really do wish you all well. Please beleive me when I tell you that the flights are full. It is only the odd, extra, added on flight that is empty and these are extra to the revised schedule. Even though they have only a few pax, they are full of freight and that is the reason they are being added back into the schedule.
I am very upset that some of my fellow workers are striking but I truly feel for them because they are being misled by the union. I don't want anyone to loose their job but the longer this goes on the worse it will be for the whole company.
Part of me wants them to come back to work and see for themselves how full all the flights are and help our employer, BA survive but the other part of me wants them to stay away because it is so nice at work on strike days. Everyone is like minded and cannot understand what the strikers think this strike will achive.
I really do wish you all well. Please beleive me when I tell you that the flights are full. It is only the odd, extra, added on flight that is empty and these are extra to the revised schedule. Even though they have only a few pax, they are full of freight and that is the reason they are being added back into the schedule.
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Hotel Mode
For your gracious favours we thank you!
Duncan Holley confided that
Yes, Duncan, you are absolutely correct; excessive idleness and enforced unemployment do have that effect.
Your wish is my command Churchy
Duncan Holley confided that
As for me - its now turning into a bit of a blur as each day blends into one.
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As for me - its now turning into a bit of a blur as each day blends into one. Yes, Duncan, you are absolutely correct; excessive idleness and enforced unemployment do have that effect.
so so true
he has nothing to loose does he
shame everyone else does!
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Tiramisu and Ottergirl
Ladies`, I apologise if I upset or offended you, it was not my intention, and it was not meant personally, as I said in my post most crew that I see are dedicated and hard working, I do have the utmost respect for the job you do and do not have an issue with you being paid that that you negotiated. Point taken that I do not know the details of your job, and I was a little inaccurate in my figures, as ottergirl says I was rightly taken to task 
(ouch).
However (there is always a however), bringing work home is different from bringing home responsiblity, I guess the point is difficult to explian, but owning projects that do not go away when you are not at work is real responsibility, with sleepless ( ok restless) nights knowing that you have to make a call on something that could cost real money, or effect real peoples futures. I guess that was in my head when I posted.
I really am not attacking crew, when ever I have occasion to mix with crew I think I can without fail say I have enjoyed thier company, and in a previous role I interacted quite a lot.
I guess as well that I feel this dispute has just wasted the BRS sacrifices that so many people (including me) have made in good faith and see that this is not recipricated in all areas. Again, nothing personal.
(ouch).However (there is always a however), bringing work home is different from bringing home responsiblity, I guess the point is difficult to explian, but owning projects that do not go away when you are not at work is real responsibility, with sleepless ( ok restless) nights knowing that you have to make a call on something that could cost real money, or effect real peoples futures. I guess that was in my head when I posted.
I really am not attacking crew, when ever I have occasion to mix with crew I think I can without fail say I have enjoyed thier company, and in a previous role I interacted quite a lot.
I guess as well that I feel this dispute has just wasted the BRS sacrifices that so many people (including me) have made in good faith and see that this is not recipricated in all areas. Again, nothing personal.
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they think its all over!
The following link contains Tony Woodley speech at the Unite conference yesterday....
Tony Woodley?s speech
It includes a strong message about the BA dispute with no hint of a softening in their position.
Tony Woodley?s speech
It includes a strong message about the BA dispute with no hint of a softening in their position.
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Yes my friend...full of empty flights on the sky!!!
Everybody can do that...even Willie Walsh.
Everybody can do that...even Willie Walsh.
Yes, some flights are flying without customers, such as 767 flights, but full of freight and returning to LHR with customers....I should know, I deal with them daily.
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"My breakfast bill this morning was nearly £500!"
Nice - does DH want everyone to think he is footing the bill? Or more worryingly, he actually does believe HE is paying for it personally.
Perhaps he truly believes that this is his action against BA and the Strikers are supporting him!
Nice - does DH want everyone to think he is footing the bill? Or more worryingly, he actually does believe HE is paying for it personally.
Perhaps he truly believes that this is his action against BA and the Strikers are supporting him!
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"My breakfast bill this morning was nearly £500!"
Nice - does DH want everyone to think he is footing the bill? Or more worryingly, he actually does believe HE is paying for it personally.
Perhaps he truly believes that this is his action against BA and the Strikers are supporting him!
Nice - does DH want everyone to think he is footing the bill? Or more worryingly, he actually does believe HE is paying for it personally.
Perhaps he truly believes that this is his action against BA and the Strikers are supporting him!
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The good news is that Nigel and Co are on hand to "advise" Tony Woodley.
Glad to hear he's still too sick to do his job. Another BASSA freeloader leeching off BA, and it seems there are many.