British Airways vs. BASSA (Airline Staff Only)
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One group of employees has failed to recognise the need for change (temporary solution for a temporary problem), and it has failed to work with the company to negotiate that change. (see the judgement in the failed injunction by Unite).
What could you expect the company to do?
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Doh Nuts,
Thank you for your really nice post. You sound like a really great person. I just want you to know that I think you all are doing a great job. As I am on eurofleet and not so many vols needed there, I have not had the chance to fly with any of you, but I would be very happy to.
I hope you have been to some nice places and enjoyed yourself.
It's nice of you to note how hard the job is sometimes. It is a total lifestyle being a crew member, particularily for the longhaul crew. Lots of jetlag, often up all night and no controle over when you get days off. It is good that you have been able to experience it.
Many thanks once again.
Thank you for your really nice post. You sound like a really great person. I just want you to know that I think you all are doing a great job. As I am on eurofleet and not so many vols needed there, I have not had the chance to fly with any of you, but I would be very happy to.
I hope you have been to some nice places and enjoyed yourself.
It's nice of you to note how hard the job is sometimes. It is a total lifestyle being a crew member, particularily for the longhaul crew. Lots of jetlag, often up all night and no controle over when you get days off. It is good that you have been able to experience it.
Many thanks once again.
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Staff travel removal
Have CC from the latest round of strikes (starting two weeks ago) been informed that staff travel has been revoked, if so how and when from please ?
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not cc?
ns68 wrote
[quote]People I know,have repeatedly said how they will not invest in this company until Willie Walsh is the CEO for this reason.
Cabin crew that are not cabin crew??!-/QUOTE]
I understand that the VCC have completed the training that any new starter would undergo and as such are cc, albeit in a part time role.
Remember:
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and sounds like a duck ...
No direct comparison intended
[quote]People I know,have repeatedly said how they will not invest in this company until Willie Walsh is the CEO for this reason.
Cabin crew that are not cabin crew??!-/QUOTE]
I understand that the VCC have completed the training that any new starter would undergo and as such are cc, albeit in a part time role.
Remember:
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and sounds like a duck ...
No direct comparison intended
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In general business people don't book short haul club for the differences it brings on-board. The slight convienience of getting on last and off first are small plusses however not the main reason.
Ticket flexibility is the major reason for booking corporate club. That and lounge access. Not the 'hot meal' onboard or a pack of (no longer available
) macadamia nuts.
Ask almost any SH pax and they don't really care about the club flight for an hour or two.
LH is, obviously, totally different.
Ticket flexibility is the major reason for booking corporate club. That and lounge access. Not the 'hot meal' onboard or a pack of (no longer available
) macadamia nuts.Ask almost any SH pax and they don't really care about the club flight for an hour or two.
LH is, obviously, totally different.
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Job protection
From Duncan Holley (thanks to Hotel Mode):
So, cabin crew are striking to protect their jobs?
I thought it was about imposition.
Or ST.
Or disciplinaries.
I hope that DH will explain it all in his next four missives.
How do they expect their union to be able to somehow miraculously get a good deal and protect their jobs, when they have played no part in helping to do that - in fact the exact opposite?
I thought it was about imposition.
Or ST.
Or disciplinaries.
I hope that DH will explain it all in his next four missives.
Junior trash
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Heres the next!
Only 300! thats pretty bad. And closing pickets... How considerate.
I dont think theyve compared themselves to Tiananmen Square before, another depth plummed. Good work.
Only 300! thats pretty bad. And closing pickets... How considerate.
I dont think theyve compared themselves to Tiananmen Square before, another depth plummed. Good work.
BASSA > Latest News
POWER IN THE UNION - DAY 18
Jun 5th, 2010 by admin
Just back from Glastonfont where I witnessed something I thought I would never see. Billy Bragg playing acoustic guitar from the back of a pick up truck conducting 300 or so striking cabin to sing along and using hand actions to a song about 3rd World debt. Billy made the 300 mile trip from his Dorset home (leaving his kids on the beach) to play a rousing hour set of songs with loads of relevant in between chat. It was incredibly heartening and memorable. I will let others who were there describe it in better detail but it was truly a historic occasion something which Billy recognised. As soon as he arrived he gave me his personal iPhone and asked if I would take photos of his gig as he was so proud to be here and wanted to put the photos on his website this evening. I would like to thank Louise, my wife for organising his visit. It was quite a nerve-wracking experience especially when half an hour before Billy turned up, Bedfont told us they had no music licence and we would have to cancel. Fortunately they relented when we said he was only bringing an acoustic guitar. Phew!
After Thursday’s record crowd it was a quieter more relaxed day with picnics and tapas the order of the day. We closed the pickets for Billy’s performance - it was about time we gave the fire and police station a bit of down time!
As I type, I have yet to water my tomatoes and I am actually going out this evening so haven’t been able to spend much time composing this piece, apologies if it is below par. I will be there tomorrow, so will the bouncy castle and the open-top bus. We are in the home straight - let’s finish these next 4 days on a high. Before I go, however I would like to get one thing off my chest.
Going on strike is a big decision for everyone, mainly because there are so many reasons not to, whether it be money, fear, staff travel or even loyalty to the company. While I don’t like to single out any rank I would like to mention the many CSDs who have refused to turn up for work during this dispute. Seeing a group of them at Bedfont last week, all of whom had been flying more than 30 years and all of whom were regarded by BA and crew alike as “model leaders” it suddenly struck me at how much BA had let these once loyal people down. These well-respected senior crew were turning their backs on 30 years (or in the case of one I spoke to today 41 years) of dedicated service and withdrawing their labour because of what one person - a man only with the BA 5 years - is systematically and brutally doing to their airline.
If only other senior crew members who have turned their back on their colleagues had similar bravery. It also appears now, from report backs that some CSDs who have gone to work have not only shown a complete lack of integrity but, even worse, are actually encouraging crew to break the strike and leave the Union. If either on duty or off duty a CSD tries to encourage you to leave BASSA/UNITE please tell him or her that you do not wish to discuss it - if they persist inform them that you find their behaviour to be bullying and take their name and staff number and report them to your manager. They have no right to interfere in your right to belong to a union and take lawful industrial action. These people are nothing more than cowards looking to justify their shameful actions.
Sorry, this has got a little heavy, but it needed to be said. If you are not a CSD forgive me, because I know you have all made the ultimate gesture to support your union but as we all know, just as a CSD can make or break a trip so they can make or break a strike.
So, as I said above just four days to go now - if you are feeling weary I know how you feel, but let me leave you with this. It was on June 5th 1989 - 21 years ago today - when the anonymous protester stood defiantly in front of all those Chinese tanks with his flag, continually stepping sideways so they could not pass. No one ever tracked him down and indeed he may not have survived, but that was one brave protest and one that has inspired me ever since. Bedfont is not Tiananmen Square but Walsh’s BA would surely be more at home in late 80s China.
See you tomorrow - free breakfasts again before 10am.
All the best and remember one line from Billy’s song - “there’s power in the union”.
Duncan
POWER IN THE UNION - DAY 18
Jun 5th, 2010 by admin
Just back from Glastonfont where I witnessed something I thought I would never see. Billy Bragg playing acoustic guitar from the back of a pick up truck conducting 300 or so striking cabin to sing along and using hand actions to a song about 3rd World debt. Billy made the 300 mile trip from his Dorset home (leaving his kids on the beach) to play a rousing hour set of songs with loads of relevant in between chat. It was incredibly heartening and memorable. I will let others who were there describe it in better detail but it was truly a historic occasion something which Billy recognised. As soon as he arrived he gave me his personal iPhone and asked if I would take photos of his gig as he was so proud to be here and wanted to put the photos on his website this evening. I would like to thank Louise, my wife for organising his visit. It was quite a nerve-wracking experience especially when half an hour before Billy turned up, Bedfont told us they had no music licence and we would have to cancel. Fortunately they relented when we said he was only bringing an acoustic guitar. Phew!
After Thursday’s record crowd it was a quieter more relaxed day with picnics and tapas the order of the day. We closed the pickets for Billy’s performance - it was about time we gave the fire and police station a bit of down time!
As I type, I have yet to water my tomatoes and I am actually going out this evening so haven’t been able to spend much time composing this piece, apologies if it is below par. I will be there tomorrow, so will the bouncy castle and the open-top bus. We are in the home straight - let’s finish these next 4 days on a high. Before I go, however I would like to get one thing off my chest.
Going on strike is a big decision for everyone, mainly because there are so many reasons not to, whether it be money, fear, staff travel or even loyalty to the company. While I don’t like to single out any rank I would like to mention the many CSDs who have refused to turn up for work during this dispute. Seeing a group of them at Bedfont last week, all of whom had been flying more than 30 years and all of whom were regarded by BA and crew alike as “model leaders” it suddenly struck me at how much BA had let these once loyal people down. These well-respected senior crew were turning their backs on 30 years (or in the case of one I spoke to today 41 years) of dedicated service and withdrawing their labour because of what one person - a man only with the BA 5 years - is systematically and brutally doing to their airline.
If only other senior crew members who have turned their back on their colleagues had similar bravery. It also appears now, from report backs that some CSDs who have gone to work have not only shown a complete lack of integrity but, even worse, are actually encouraging crew to break the strike and leave the Union. If either on duty or off duty a CSD tries to encourage you to leave BASSA/UNITE please tell him or her that you do not wish to discuss it - if they persist inform them that you find their behaviour to be bullying and take their name and staff number and report them to your manager. They have no right to interfere in your right to belong to a union and take lawful industrial action. These people are nothing more than cowards looking to justify their shameful actions.
Sorry, this has got a little heavy, but it needed to be said. If you are not a CSD forgive me, because I know you have all made the ultimate gesture to support your union but as we all know, just as a CSD can make or break a trip so they can make or break a strike.
So, as I said above just four days to go now - if you are feeling weary I know how you feel, but let me leave you with this. It was on June 5th 1989 - 21 years ago today - when the anonymous protester stood defiantly in front of all those Chinese tanks with his flag, continually stepping sideways so they could not pass. No one ever tracked him down and indeed he may not have survived, but that was one brave protest and one that has inspired me ever since. Bedfont is not Tiananmen Square but Walsh’s BA would surely be more at home in late 80s China.
See you tomorrow - free breakfasts again before 10am.
All the best and remember one line from Billy’s song - “there’s power in the union”.
Duncan
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It was just to say that management should work with its employes not against them.
you are right, but for that to happen the goodwill has to be there from both sides. If there is one thing I gathered from reading this forum is the lack of trust towards the management from cc. Some posts even imply that some cc don't even read the mail from BA. That's definitely not the attitude of someone that wants to work with their company.
doing the job I joined for 15 years ago ...Join Date: Jan 2010
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Oh what a lovely strike
Strikers having fun at Bedfont Football Club.
Oh what a lovely strike: As travellers suffer, Pimm's, comedians and barbecues on the picket line... | Mail Online
Oh what a lovely strike: As travellers suffer, Pimm's, comedians and barbecues on the picket line... | Mail Online
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And strikers wonder why they have no public support - whilst holidaymakers and business people suffer they sit in the sun, drinking Pimms and beer, listening to Billy Bragg in a Carnival Atmosphere - even the picket lines were cancelled during Billy's performance. It's a farce and they should be ashamed. They wonder why WW doesn't take them seriously.......
Meanwhile DS and TW continue the hardline 70's union rhetoric over their hard done by brothers and sisters......as hard line unionists they must be holding their heads in their hands and sighing profusely in shame at where BASSA have taken them....never saw BBQ's and Pimms during the miners strike....or Rover, or the Liverpool dockers etc etc.
It beggars belief....
Meanwhile DS and TW continue the hardline 70's union rhetoric over their hard done by brothers and sisters......as hard line unionists they must be holding their heads in their hands and sighing profusely in shame at where BASSA have taken them....never saw BBQ's and Pimms during the miners strike....or Rover, or the Liverpool dockers etc etc.
It beggars belief....
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never saw BBQ's and Pimms during the miners strike....
A cabin crew strike was always going to be a bit more glamorous.
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Whilst DH and CC top up their tans at Bedfont, Tony Woodley's off to Cyprus (not on BA):
While BA cabin crew begin third 5-day strike, Unite boss Tony Woodley flies out for a luxury sunshine holiday | Mail Online
While BA cabin crew begin third 5-day strike, Unite boss Tony Woodley flies out for a luxury sunshine holiday | Mail Online
Last edited by LD12986; 5th Jun 2010 at 22:26.
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Ottergirl,
Thats exactly my point - you have the same aggresive 70's rhetoric from DS and TW as we had from Arthur during the miners strike, but Bassa are drinking Pimms and Beer and cancelling picket lines cos Billy Bragg turned up.....and fighting over just a travel perk and some disiplinaries, not the loss of their families livelyhood as the miners were.
Bassa have severly let down and embaraased Unite, a Union built on the working class and fighting for the working class, not on people drinking beer and Pimms on the picket lines treating it as a party, how would the miners, Rover and Liverpool Dockers feel about this, they put their livelyhood on the line in asking their Union to support them, not travel perks.........but Unite have to play because Bassa are a significant contributor to Unite funds.....
Thats exactly my point - you have the same aggresive 70's rhetoric from DS and TW as we had from Arthur during the miners strike, but Bassa are drinking Pimms and Beer and cancelling picket lines cos Billy Bragg turned up.....and fighting over just a travel perk and some disiplinaries, not the loss of their families livelyhood as the miners were.
Bassa have severly let down and embaraased Unite, a Union built on the working class and fighting for the working class, not on people drinking beer and Pimms on the picket lines treating it as a party, how would the miners, Rover and Liverpool Dockers feel about this, they put their livelyhood on the line in asking their Union to support them, not travel perks.........but Unite have to play because Bassa are a significant contributor to Unite funds.....
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Proof of the Pudding
Hiflyer14 said
"You're absolutely right, NS68 it is not. We are now very much a fantastic team, with a can-do approach, a high-level of commitment, very high uniform standards and a huge smile on our faces".
Have just flown back to LHR from LAS in Club World - the crew obviously deciding to a pan/woman to work through the last disruption. The food has definately been better and the inflight product was curtailed. HOWEVER, the crew, all of which were normal CC including CSD - not a VCC in sight - were incredible. From the walm greeting at the door and throughout the flight, they were the most attentive crew we have seen for a long time on BA - confirming everything Hiflyer14 says above. and I am neither BA or CC - just a full farepaying airline employee. I'll forego the product shortage to get that service everytime. Be proud of what you are offering against adversity!
My only complaint is the CSD/crew member reminding us of a 1981 one hit wonder (Joe Dolce) that left us all mentally singing that ridiculous song.
If Billy Bragg was at Bedfont yesterday, who is next? The Strawbs singing DH's anthem "You won't get me I'm part of the Union" or Status Quo giving a rendition of "Down down, deeper and down".
The flight was packed solid.
MF
"You're absolutely right, NS68 it is not. We are now very much a fantastic team, with a can-do approach, a high-level of commitment, very high uniform standards and a huge smile on our faces".
Have just flown back to LHR from LAS in Club World - the crew obviously deciding to a pan/woman to work through the last disruption. The food has definately been better and the inflight product was curtailed. HOWEVER, the crew, all of which were normal CC including CSD - not a VCC in sight - were incredible. From the walm greeting at the door and throughout the flight, they were the most attentive crew we have seen for a long time on BA - confirming everything Hiflyer14 says above. and I am neither BA or CC - just a full farepaying airline employee. I'll forego the product shortage to get that service everytime. Be proud of what you are offering against adversity!
My only complaint is the CSD/crew member reminding us of a 1981 one hit wonder (Joe Dolce) that left us all mentally singing that ridiculous song.
If Billy Bragg was at Bedfont yesterday, who is next? The Strawbs singing DH's anthem "You won't get me I'm part of the Union" or Status Quo giving a rendition of "Down down, deeper and down".
The flight was packed solid.
MF
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They think its all over!
I have been going through recents posts.. can anyone confim if the following quote is true from Giza...
Charges over for price fixing.
(d) Case thrown out of court, £121 M fine not paid (which is handy, as it will pay for the strike.
(d) Case thrown out of court, £121 M fine not paid (which is handy, as it will pay for the strike.
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Blame Game
Having read the latest BASSA ramblings from Bedfont it looks as though the blame game has started before the strike is over. Now it's the CSDs that went to work that are to blame for this abject failure of a dispute. He even has the gall to accuse them of intimidating people in to coming to work. Read the words of Mr Holley and make your own mind up on who's doing the intimidating. Day 19, what have BASSA achieved so far apart from the longest room party in living memory.
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Chesh01
My understanding is that it's not entirely correct.
The criminal case against several BA employees was thrown out of court by the judge because of problems with some of the prosecution's evidence and it's non-disclosure to the defence.
Because of sub judice, the civil action against the company and imposition of any fine had to wait until the completion of the criminal case, but the OFT had said it would be asking the court to impose a penalty of £121.5m. At the time BA made provision in its accounts for a penalty of that size.
Now some of the evidence that the OFT had planned to present to the judge at the civil hearing has been found to be suspect.
From my understanding of what Willie said at one of the recent Waterside Theatre briefings, BA now expects the OFT to ask the judge to impose a penalty that's significantly smaller than £121.5m because of the loss of part of its evidence.
I have been going through recents posts.. can anyone confim if the following quote is true from Giza...
Charges over for price fixing.
(d) Case thrown out of court, £121 M fine not paid (which is handy, as it will pay for the strike.
(d) Case thrown out of court, £121 M fine not paid (which is handy, as it will pay for the strike.
The criminal case against several BA employees was thrown out of court by the judge because of problems with some of the prosecution's evidence and it's non-disclosure to the defence.
Because of sub judice, the civil action against the company and imposition of any fine had to wait until the completion of the criminal case, but the OFT had said it would be asking the court to impose a penalty of £121.5m. At the time BA made provision in its accounts for a penalty of that size.
Now some of the evidence that the OFT had planned to present to the judge at the civil hearing has been found to be suspect.
From my understanding of what Willie said at one of the recent Waterside Theatre briefings, BA now expects the OFT to ask the judge to impose a penalty that's significantly smaller than £121.5m because of the loss of part of its evidence.
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This forum has become so nasty.. You seem to forget that you will all be working along side each other very soon.
I for one, as a striker am very afraid of the people who broke the strike.. most by the way who voted for strike action...
Crew who are now looking to play the higher role because they feel they Backed BA ... on a flight the other day, a non strike day, some one has gone in the bunks and emptied the oxy bottles in the crew bunk area... if you are reading this shame on you.
Lets get back to basics.. some have different views to others ,we are alowed that in a democracy... the crew who voted yes for strike action and then went into work have no right to call strikers...
Some of the strikers are very millitant but again some of the comments on this forum that go unchecked are shocking..
Again I say at the end of this we all must work together and crew who went into work are doing no one any favours when they are reporting every little raise of an eyebrow or look on a face... What ever the outcome.. we are all human beings with a common goal... we may not all have the same opinion....
I for one, as a striker am very afraid of the people who broke the strike.. most by the way who voted for strike action...
Crew who are now looking to play the higher role because they feel they Backed BA ... on a flight the other day, a non strike day, some one has gone in the bunks and emptied the oxy bottles in the crew bunk area... if you are reading this shame on you.
Lets get back to basics.. some have different views to others ,we are alowed that in a democracy... the crew who voted yes for strike action and then went into work have no right to call strikers...
Some of the strikers are very millitant but again some of the comments on this forum that go unchecked are shocking..
Again I say at the end of this we all must work together and crew who went into work are doing no one any favours when they are reporting every little raise of an eyebrow or look on a face... What ever the outcome.. we are all human beings with a common goal... we may not all have the same opinion....