British Airways vs. BASSA (Airline Staff Only)
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Why bother driving when BA will reimburse you up to £100 each way to take a taxi? I'd rather be chauffered home, it leaves two hands free to wave at the picket lines.
Amongst the strikers an air of panic is beginning to emerge as people start to come to terms with the fact that this could be a long dispute and they'll have no staff travel in 2.5 weeks. Activists are proclaiming they should approach Easyjet, Virgin and Star Alliance carriers to see if they'll offer them discount tickets as they could do with the revenue!!! I'm sure United and Lufthansa will be tripping over themselves to offer fully flexible, 90% discounted tickets to a couple of thousand BA employees. That extra £75 every tenth flight will see them back in the black in no time at all!
Amongst the strikers an air of panic is beginning to emerge as people start to come to terms with the fact that this could be a long dispute and they'll have no staff travel in 2.5 weeks. Activists are proclaiming they should approach Easyjet, Virgin and Star Alliance carriers to see if they'll offer them discount tickets as they could do with the revenue!!! I'm sure United and Lufthansa will be tripping over themselves to offer fully flexible, 90% discounted tickets to a couple of thousand BA employees. That extra £75 every tenth flight will see them back in the black in no time at all!
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Bullying and harassment is not informing crew of the expected standards of behaviour on board and downroute and telling them that such behaviour from either side will not be tolerated.
Bullying and harassment is taking names of volunteers and forwarding them to other crew. This could only possibly have one aim.
Bullying and harassment is taking names of volunteers and forwarding them to other crew. This could only possibly have one aim.
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I cannot quote him accurately but words to the effect of: “If this matter is not concluded by June, then new contracts will be issued”. Perhaps someone will know where to find the actual text. He also alluded when speaking after the breakdown of talks last Friday that the formal recognition of UNITE/BASSA had been downgraded to the lowest possible level.
What I take that to mean, is that BA will cease paying rent for the unite offices at LHR (in T5) and at LGW, and stop things such as derostering of union reps.
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Informing crew of the expected standards of behaviour on board and downroute and telling them that such behaviour from either side will not be tolerated is not bullying and harassment.
Taking names of volunteers and forwarding them to other crew is bullying and harassment. This could only possibly have one aim.
Clearer?
Taking names of volunteers and forwarding them to other crew is bullying and harassment. This could only possibly have one aim.
Clearer?
We can use any public car park around LHR (including short term)and BA will reimburse any parking fees ...
If the regular crew car park becomes full, .... [you] may park in any Long-Stay car park at LHR and claim back the cost of this parking. You must have a receipt to do this. (Please note that this specifically excludes Short-Stay car parks – like the NCP facility directly beside T5)
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@ Abbey Road
This is what currently shows on the intranet parking:
Parking – LHR and LGW
Security in the crew car park will be increased. This will include BA managers and a security presence. Access to the car park will be restricted to those on duty, as normal.
If you would prefer not to park in the crew car park you can choose to park in a commercial car park. We’ll refund up to £200 worth of car park charges, just hold onto your receipts to claim your expenses. However, please bear in mind that there will be no BA management presence in commercial car parks and that there are no special BA shuttle services from commercial car parks to BA work locations.
Specific information about parking at Heathrow
The turnstile at the far corner of the crew multi-storey car park will be closed.
We advise you not to park at West Base over this period due to potential pickets in the Hatton Cross area.
The Cranebank car park will be open as normal, with additional security, for those working at Cranebank.
Eastbase car park, adjacent to Vanguard House (Pass Issue Unit), is available as an alternative to the crew car park at LHR, on strike days. It has restroom and waiting facilities.
Dedicated BA shuttle buses have been organised with similar frequency to the crew car park and there will be increased security presence in the area.
Some of the commercial car parks around the Heathrow Campus are:
BAA Parking:
Short Stay T5
Long Stay T5
Business Parking T5
Valet Parking T5
Other commercial providers include: Purple Parking and Pink Elephant both of which offer a meet and greet service.
Alternatively, all Long Stay providers have shuttle services directly to the Terminal entrance.
Parking – LHR and LGW
Security in the crew car park will be increased. This will include BA managers and a security presence. Access to the car park will be restricted to those on duty, as normal.
If you would prefer not to park in the crew car park you can choose to park in a commercial car park. We’ll refund up to £200 worth of car park charges, just hold onto your receipts to claim your expenses. However, please bear in mind that there will be no BA management presence in commercial car parks and that there are no special BA shuttle services from commercial car parks to BA work locations.
Specific information about parking at Heathrow
The turnstile at the far corner of the crew multi-storey car park will be closed.
We advise you not to park at West Base over this period due to potential pickets in the Hatton Cross area.
The Cranebank car park will be open as normal, with additional security, for those working at Cranebank.
Eastbase car park, adjacent to Vanguard House (Pass Issue Unit), is available as an alternative to the crew car park at LHR, on strike days. It has restroom and waiting facilities.
Dedicated BA shuttle buses have been organised with similar frequency to the crew car park and there will be increased security presence in the area.
Some of the commercial car parks around the Heathrow Campus are:
BAA Parking:
Short Stay T5
Long Stay T5
Business Parking T5
Valet Parking T5
Other commercial providers include: Purple Parking and Pink Elephant both of which offer a meet and greet service.
Alternatively, all Long Stay providers have shuttle services directly to the Terminal entrance.
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Many thanks to TorC for this:
That seems to make much more sense and I do recall reading that very text.
On the downside, there has been a suggestion from Bill Francis that compulsory redundancies should not be totally ruled out so sadly the body of my text still stands although the timing is inaccurate.
WW has not said that new contracts will be issued. What he did say, in his covering letter to TW on the 19th, was that if a new framework for IR is not agreed by 18 June, then BA will serve notice on the "facilities agreement".
On the downside, there has been a suggestion from Bill Francis that compulsory redundancies should not be totally ruled out so sadly the body of my text still stands although the timing is inaccurate.
TorC, thanks for that info. However, I'm not sure it unequivocally states that the short-term car park will have costs covered by BA. It actually may be that NCP have told BA that they don't want the short-term car park filled with BA flying staff, as they have regular customers to think of, long after this strike is over.
In any event, I don't suppose £200 pounds would last long in any NCP short-term car park. NCP seem to have a license to open your wallet for you!
In any event, I don't suppose £200 pounds would last long in any NCP short-term car park. NCP seem to have a license to open your wallet for you!
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There is much talk amonst potential strikers about the impending change of contracts.
But where does this come from? I have just re-read the last offer dated 19mar10 and - depite crew claiming it is written in black and white there is certainly no mention of any such thing. Willie has repeatedly assured crew that he intends to protect the pay and conditions of current crew.
The monthly travel payment may not appeal to everone , but it is beneficial to many (not the reps perhaps). It seems that BA is really trying to accommodate crew.
Maybe its Bassa who are propagating these rumours to stir their members to strike.
And as for LGW purser reinstatement. Why can't LHR csd's take a 10% paycut to finance that.
But where does this come from? I have just re-read the last offer dated 19mar10 and - depite crew claiming it is written in black and white there is certainly no mention of any such thing. Willie has repeatedly assured crew that he intends to protect the pay and conditions of current crew.
The monthly travel payment may not appeal to everone , but it is beneficial to many (not the reps perhaps). It seems that BA is really trying to accommodate crew.
Maybe its Bassa who are propagating these rumours to stir their members to strike.
And as for LGW purser reinstatement. Why can't LHR csd's take a 10% paycut to finance that.
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Independant Employment Lawyer gives advice
BBC - BBC Radio 5 live Programmes - Victoria Derbyshire
Check out the Victoria Derbyshire Show, at 1:09:25 in
Available now on BBC iPlayer
1.Listen to the latest programme
24/03/2010
Not only interesting facts re staff travel , but also re dismissal during a strike.
BBC - BBC Radio 5 live Programmes - Victoria Derbyshire
Check out the Victoria Derbyshire Show, at 1:09:25 in
Available now on BBC iPlayer
1.Listen to the latest programme
24/03/2010
Not only interesting facts re staff travel , but also re dismissal during a strike.
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That Victoria Derbyshire show was cringeworthy. They did not put one iota of valid argument forward and refused to accept anything that did not fit their mental model. They honestly believe that the board will replace Walsh with someone who will cave in to them. They reckon each strike will cost BA £100m - Walsh has told the city £21 for the last 3 days. They inhabit another planet and there is only one way this dispute is going to end I believe.
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Hi AbbeyR
My rough estimation, but currently for every 300 passengers there are maybe 8 crew?
Most crew will use the car park as normal, but those more wary or concerned CAN use non-crew car parks and claim expenses - keep a receipt and process via envelopes in CRC and also on ESS.
There aren't as many flights going out. Less cars.
Some of those passengers arrived as families in one car.
For the small numbers of crew usuing the non-crew car parks, its a drop in the ocean in expenses, and I guarantee none of the car parks will be full.
It actually may be that NCP have told BA that they don't want the short-term car park filled with BA flying staff, as they have regular customers to think of,
Most crew will use the car park as normal, but those more wary or concerned CAN use non-crew car parks and claim expenses - keep a receipt and process via envelopes in CRC and also on ESS.
There aren't as many flights going out. Less cars.
Some of those passengers arrived as families in one car.
For the small numbers of crew usuing the non-crew car parks, its a drop in the ocean in expenses, and I guarantee none of the car parks will be full.
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How Can They All Be Wrong.....
Dear Editor,
As academics in the field of employment relations our expertise includes the analysis of the causes, process and outcomes of industrial disputes and particularly the dynamics of strike action. Given the near certainty of further strikes (Follow-up strike will go ahead says union, March 22nd), it is clear to us that the actions of the chief executive of British Airways, notwithstanding his protestations to the contrary, are explicable only by the desire to break the union which represents the cabin crew. What other possible interpretation can there be for Willie Walsh rejecting Unite's acceptance of BA's previous offer or indeed of his marshalling of resources, including those of bitter industry rival Ryanair, to undermine the action of his staff? Walsh and now Prime Minister Brown have made the error of underestimating the deep seated and justifiable anger of a loyal and dedicated workforce, whose continued trust and goodwill is a vital ingredient of customer care.
Overwhelming majorities in two strike ballots in the face of tabloid opprobrium testify to employees' understanding that a victory for Walsh's macho management strategy would precipitate a race to the bottom in terms of working conditions and job quality. In the process, this would damage beyond repair the high standards of customer service for which BA cabin crew are renowned. The wider significance of a triumph of unilateral management prerogative would be a widening of the representation gap in UK employment relations, and a further erosion of worker rights and of that most precious of commodities – democracy. For all these reasons, BA's cabin crew and their union, Unite, deserve our support rather than knee-jerk vilification.
Professor Philip Taylor, University of Strathclyde
Professor Sarah Ashwin, London School of Economics
Professor Chris Baldry, University of Stirling
Professor Robert Carter, De Montfort University
Professor Linda Clarke, University of Westminster
Professor Christine Cooper, University of Strathclyde
Professor Andrew Danford, University of West of England
Professor Ralph Darlington, University of Salford
Professor Tony Elger, University of Warwick
Professor Patricia Findlay, University of Strathclyde
Professor Irena Grugulis, University of Bradford
Professor Geraldine Healy, Queen Mary University of London
Professor Ed Heery, Cardiff University
Professor Debra Howcroft, University of Manchester
Professor Jeff Hyman, University of Aberdeen
Professor Richard Hyman, London School of Economics
Professor Steve Jeffreys, London Metropolitan University
Professor John Kelly, Birkbeck College London
Professor Miguel Martinez Lucio, University of Manchester
Professor Sonia McKay, London Metropolitan University
Professor Doug Miller, University of Northumbria
Professor Dennis Nickson, University of Strathclyde
Professor Anna Pollert, University of the West of England
Professor Valeria Pulignano, Universities of Leuven and Warwick
Professor Paul Stewart, University of Strathclyde
Professor Mark Stuart, University of Leeds
Professor Paul Thompson, University of Strathclyde
Professor Martin Upchurch, Middlesex University
Professor Chris Warhurst, University of Strathclyde
Professor Zander Wedderburn, Heriot-Watt University
Dr. Maurizio Atzeni, Loughborough University
Dr. David Beale, University of Manchester
Cecilie Bingham, University of Westminster
Paul Brook, Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr. Peter Butler, De Montfort University
Dr. Iona Byford, Portsmouth University
Dr. Ian Clark, University of Birmingham
Nick Clarke, London Metropolitan University
Dr. Rachel Cohen, University of Warwick
Dr. Hazel Conley, Queen Mary University of London
Dr. Heather Connolly, University of Manchester
Nick Creaby-Attwood, Northumbria University
Dr. Alf Crossman, University of Surrey
Dr. Andrew Cumbers, University of Glasgow
Dr. Ian Cunningham, University of Strathclyde
Dr. Steve Davies, Cardiff University
Dr. Tricia Dawson, University of Westminster
Demet Dimler, School of African and Oriental Studies
Janine Duvier, London School of Economics
Dr. Peter Dwyer, Ruskin College Oxford
Dr. Vaughan Ellis, Edinburgh Napier University
Dr. Debbie Foster, Cardiff University
Dr. Steve French, Keele University
Jo Grady, University of Leicester
Dr. Ian Greenwood, University of Leeds
Dr. Anita Hammer, De Montfort University
Dr. Geraint Harvey, Swansea University
Dr. Jane Holgate, London Metropolitan University
Eleanor Kirk, University of Strathclyde
Dr. Lefteis Kretsos, University of Coventry
Dr Alex Law, University of Abertay
Dr. Dave Lyddon, Keele University
Dr. Patricia McCafferty, University of Strathclyde
Erin van der Maase, Carnegie Trust
Dr. Matteo Mandarini, Queen Mary University of London
Jim Main, University of Strathclyde
Dr. Abigail Marks, Heriot-Watt University
Douglas Martin, University of Strathclyde
Dr. Gerry Mooney, The Open University
Dr. Sian Moore, London Metropolitan University
Dave Napier, London Metropolitan University
Dr. Kirsty Newsome, University of Strathclyde
Dr. Jane Parker, Auckland University of Technology
Dr. Andrew Perchard, University of Strathclyde
Dr. Elke Pioch, Manchester Metropolitan University
Michael Pye, University of Hertfordshire
Dr. Helen Richardson, University of Salford
Dr. Michael Richardson, University of the West of England
Dr. Ian Roper, Middlesex University
Alan Ryan, De Montfort University
Dr. Devi Sacchetto, University of Padua
Dr. Peter Scott, University of Portsmouth
Dr. Melanie Simms, University of Warwick
Bob Simpson, London School of Economics
Bob Smale, University of Brighton
Dr. Andrew Smith, University of East London
Dr. Ian Towers, Euro-Business-College, Berlin
Dr. Alan Tuckman, Nottingham Trent University
Charles Umney, University of Leeds
Dr. Matt Vidal, Kings College London
Dr. Steve Vincent, University of Leeds
Dr. Roger Welch, Portsmouth University
Dr. Glynne Williams, University of Leicester
Dr. Stephen Williams, Portsmouth University
David Wray, University of Northumbria
As academics in the field of employment relations our expertise includes the analysis of the causes, process and outcomes of industrial disputes and particularly the dynamics of strike action. Given the near certainty of further strikes (Follow-up strike will go ahead says union, March 22nd), it is clear to us that the actions of the chief executive of British Airways, notwithstanding his protestations to the contrary, are explicable only by the desire to break the union which represents the cabin crew. What other possible interpretation can there be for Willie Walsh rejecting Unite's acceptance of BA's previous offer or indeed of his marshalling of resources, including those of bitter industry rival Ryanair, to undermine the action of his staff? Walsh and now Prime Minister Brown have made the error of underestimating the deep seated and justifiable anger of a loyal and dedicated workforce, whose continued trust and goodwill is a vital ingredient of customer care.
Overwhelming majorities in two strike ballots in the face of tabloid opprobrium testify to employees' understanding that a victory for Walsh's macho management strategy would precipitate a race to the bottom in terms of working conditions and job quality. In the process, this would damage beyond repair the high standards of customer service for which BA cabin crew are renowned. The wider significance of a triumph of unilateral management prerogative would be a widening of the representation gap in UK employment relations, and a further erosion of worker rights and of that most precious of commodities – democracy. For all these reasons, BA's cabin crew and their union, Unite, deserve our support rather than knee-jerk vilification.
Professor Philip Taylor, University of Strathclyde
Professor Sarah Ashwin, London School of Economics
Professor Chris Baldry, University of Stirling
Professor Robert Carter, De Montfort University
Professor Linda Clarke, University of Westminster
Professor Christine Cooper, University of Strathclyde
Professor Andrew Danford, University of West of England
Professor Ralph Darlington, University of Salford
Professor Tony Elger, University of Warwick
Professor Patricia Findlay, University of Strathclyde
Professor Irena Grugulis, University of Bradford
Professor Geraldine Healy, Queen Mary University of London
Professor Ed Heery, Cardiff University
Professor Debra Howcroft, University of Manchester
Professor Jeff Hyman, University of Aberdeen
Professor Richard Hyman, London School of Economics
Professor Steve Jeffreys, London Metropolitan University
Professor John Kelly, Birkbeck College London
Professor Miguel Martinez Lucio, University of Manchester
Professor Sonia McKay, London Metropolitan University
Professor Doug Miller, University of Northumbria
Professor Dennis Nickson, University of Strathclyde
Professor Anna Pollert, University of the West of England
Professor Valeria Pulignano, Universities of Leuven and Warwick
Professor Paul Stewart, University of Strathclyde
Professor Mark Stuart, University of Leeds
Professor Paul Thompson, University of Strathclyde
Professor Martin Upchurch, Middlesex University
Professor Chris Warhurst, University of Strathclyde
Professor Zander Wedderburn, Heriot-Watt University
Dr. Maurizio Atzeni, Loughborough University
Dr. David Beale, University of Manchester
Cecilie Bingham, University of Westminster
Paul Brook, Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr. Peter Butler, De Montfort University
Dr. Iona Byford, Portsmouth University
Dr. Ian Clark, University of Birmingham
Nick Clarke, London Metropolitan University
Dr. Rachel Cohen, University of Warwick
Dr. Hazel Conley, Queen Mary University of London
Dr. Heather Connolly, University of Manchester
Nick Creaby-Attwood, Northumbria University
Dr. Alf Crossman, University of Surrey
Dr. Andrew Cumbers, University of Glasgow
Dr. Ian Cunningham, University of Strathclyde
Dr. Steve Davies, Cardiff University
Dr. Tricia Dawson, University of Westminster
Demet Dimler, School of African and Oriental Studies
Janine Duvier, London School of Economics
Dr. Peter Dwyer, Ruskin College Oxford
Dr. Vaughan Ellis, Edinburgh Napier University
Dr. Debbie Foster, Cardiff University
Dr. Steve French, Keele University
Jo Grady, University of Leicester
Dr. Ian Greenwood, University of Leeds
Dr. Anita Hammer, De Montfort University
Dr. Geraint Harvey, Swansea University
Dr. Jane Holgate, London Metropolitan University
Eleanor Kirk, University of Strathclyde
Dr. Lefteis Kretsos, University of Coventry
Dr Alex Law, University of Abertay
Dr. Dave Lyddon, Keele University
Dr. Patricia McCafferty, University of Strathclyde
Erin van der Maase, Carnegie Trust
Dr. Matteo Mandarini, Queen Mary University of London
Jim Main, University of Strathclyde
Dr. Abigail Marks, Heriot-Watt University
Douglas Martin, University of Strathclyde
Dr. Gerry Mooney, The Open University
Dr. Sian Moore, London Metropolitan University
Dave Napier, London Metropolitan University
Dr. Kirsty Newsome, University of Strathclyde
Dr. Jane Parker, Auckland University of Technology
Dr. Andrew Perchard, University of Strathclyde
Dr. Elke Pioch, Manchester Metropolitan University
Michael Pye, University of Hertfordshire
Dr. Helen Richardson, University of Salford
Dr. Michael Richardson, University of the West of England
Dr. Ian Roper, Middlesex University
Alan Ryan, De Montfort University
Dr. Devi Sacchetto, University of Padua
Dr. Peter Scott, University of Portsmouth
Dr. Melanie Simms, University of Warwick
Bob Simpson, London School of Economics
Bob Smale, University of Brighton
Dr. Andrew Smith, University of East London
Dr. Ian Towers, Euro-Business-College, Berlin
Dr. Alan Tuckman, Nottingham Trent University
Charles Umney, University of Leeds
Dr. Matt Vidal, Kings College London
Dr. Steve Vincent, University of Leeds
Dr. Roger Welch, Portsmouth University
Dr. Glynne Williams, University of Leicester
Dr. Stephen Williams, Portsmouth University
David Wray, University of Northumbria
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To any crew unsure about coming in to work on strike days,
I can assure you that:
1. CRC on strike days is a supportive, safe place to be. There are plenty of relieved crew able to talk freely about the dispute with like-minded colleagues. No fear of intimidation from militants.
2. You will not see a single picket from approaching the car park until driving home.
3. If you arrive via the M25 T5 junction you will not see any pickets whatsoever.
4. There are plenty of yellow jacketed staff and flight crew around. Neither will tolerate any intimidation.
5. Lots of crew are using the car park and bus in uniform.
6. Any evidence of intimidation is dealt with swiftly. There have been offloads where it has been evident that flight safety may be compromised.
7. BA are on to issues of striking/non-striking crew meeting down route. Back-to-back issues have been dealt with where the second leg might include strikers. Station staff are aware and where necessary (e.g. JFK) separate hotels are used.
8. After your trip your flight crew will ensure that the crew stays together through T5 and all the way back to the car park.
I can assure you that:
1. CRC on strike days is a supportive, safe place to be. There are plenty of relieved crew able to talk freely about the dispute with like-minded colleagues. No fear of intimidation from militants.
2. You will not see a single picket from approaching the car park until driving home.
3. If you arrive via the M25 T5 junction you will not see any pickets whatsoever.
4. There are plenty of yellow jacketed staff and flight crew around. Neither will tolerate any intimidation.
5. Lots of crew are using the car park and bus in uniform.
6. Any evidence of intimidation is dealt with swiftly. There have been offloads where it has been evident that flight safety may be compromised.
7. BA are on to issues of striking/non-striking crew meeting down route. Back-to-back issues have been dealt with where the second leg might include strikers. Station staff are aware and where necessary (e.g. JFK) separate hotels are used.
8. After your trip your flight crew will ensure that the crew stays together through T5 and all the way back to the car park.
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Quote from letter from esteemed university folk...
What acceptance was that? BASSA / Unite has not accepted any of BA's offers.
Maybe they should get the facts right first?
P.S. Where was this letter published?
In the Guardian: British Airways strike letter: 'Macho Walsh wants to break the union' | Business | guardian.co.uk
What other possible interpretation can there be for Willie Walsh rejecting Unite's acceptance of BA's previous offer
Maybe they should get the facts right first?
P.S. Where was this letter published?
In the Guardian: British Airways strike letter: 'Macho Walsh wants to break the union' | Business | guardian.co.uk
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I think that the penultimate paragraph in Tony Woodley's
which was published over the last weekend is quite illuminating.
Now, others may read that differently, and I appreciate that, but I read that as tantamount to recognition that the strike action has failed to achieve the expected objective of forcing WW to make concessions, and in it he is trying to distance hinself from the actions of Len the docker and LaLa.
LETTER TO UNITE BA CABIN CREW MEMBERS FROM THE JOINT GENERAL SECRETARY TONY WOODLEY
Today, I will be appealing to British Airways at board level to take matters in hand and restart negotiations to reach an agreement which would allow the strike scheduled for next weekend to be averted and put your airline on the road to recovery. I know that is what you all want, and it is what the travelling public expect. We have said all along that negotiations, not litigation, intimidation nor confrontation is the way forward. BA must understand that capitulation is not on the menu either.
Stay strong, and I hope to be joining you on the picket line tomorrow.
Tony Woodley
Joint General secretary
Unite
Stay strong, and I hope to be joining you on the picket line tomorrow.
Tony Woodley
Joint General secretary
Unite
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So let us take the worst case scenario
The Blue Riband asked "where did all the talk about change of contracts come from"?
My view is that it was born out of a refusal of BASSA/UNITE to accept that it was a possibility under the 90 day notice procedure. This generated much pre strike debate and it has conclusively and successfully been argued that it could legally be utilised but clearly denied by Mr Walsh on more than one occasion.
Let us be clear though of the relevant back stop positions in this current stand off.
BASSA/UNITE can legally strike for 12 weeks and after that period the strike becomes unlawful with all the financial implications and penalties.
BA can legally impose compulsory redundancy/suspension of staff travel on striking cabin crew at any time.
My observation is that the 18th June 2010, as confirmed by TorC as the date that Tony Woodley was advised in a letter from Mr Walsh that notice would be served on the facilities agreement, looks awfully like 12 weeks after the commencement of this strike action.
The ultimate question that people may have to ask themselves is whether Mr Walsh is going to run out of funding or is BASSA/UNITE going to run out of time.
In the absence of any input from the pro strike lobby, perhaps we might like to consider that worst case scenario.
My view is that it was born out of a refusal of BASSA/UNITE to accept that it was a possibility under the 90 day notice procedure. This generated much pre strike debate and it has conclusively and successfully been argued that it could legally be utilised but clearly denied by Mr Walsh on more than one occasion.
Let us be clear though of the relevant back stop positions in this current stand off.
BASSA/UNITE can legally strike for 12 weeks and after that period the strike becomes unlawful with all the financial implications and penalties.
BA can legally impose compulsory redundancy/suspension of staff travel on striking cabin crew at any time.
My observation is that the 18th June 2010, as confirmed by TorC as the date that Tony Woodley was advised in a letter from Mr Walsh that notice would be served on the facilities agreement, looks awfully like 12 weeks after the commencement of this strike action.
The ultimate question that people may have to ask themselves is whether Mr Walsh is going to run out of funding or is BASSA/UNITE going to run out of time.
In the absence of any input from the pro strike lobby, perhaps we might like to consider that worst case scenario.
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My University professor of Industrial Relations (not on the list - he'll be long dead by now) memorably told us:
"A union's first priority is not to act in the interests of its members. It's first priority is to act in the interests of the Union"
"A union's first priority is not to act in the interests of its members. It's first priority is to act in the interests of the Union"
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However, what is germane, is that they've signed a letter expressing their distaste with an act that didn't happen.
They've signed to say that BA rejecting Unite's acceptance of the BA offer means it's union-busting pure and simple.
However, the flaw lies in the fact that Unite at no point accepted BA's offer and only offered, retrospectively, to ballot BA cabin crew on the offer when WW withdrew his offer (and even then suggested they would not recommend it). Consequently the academics you list above have expressed their opinion on an action that never took place and, thus, it is invalid as a legitimate expression of disdain.
MrB