British Airways vs. BASSA (Airline Staff Only)
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strikers reporting for duty
There is not necessarily anything inconsistent with saying that striking cabin crew should report for their next rostered duty (presumably on a print out that you have pinned on your wall, or stuffed in your hat - oh no that doesn't work - well somewhere) but that rosters have been wiped in the BA system.
I guess what I'm getting at is just because someone is asked to report as normal it doesn't mean they will actually get to do any work, or even get through the door of the CRC.
I imagine the situation, in general, is quite fluid. It might be they are not needed (with minimum crew operations); or maybe they will be. Either way, WW is in control, not the individual crew member and not BASSA/UNITE.
I guess what I'm getting at is just because someone is asked to report as normal it doesn't mean they will actually get to do any work, or even get through the door of the CRC.
I imagine the situation, in general, is quite fluid. It might be they are not needed (with minimum crew operations); or maybe they will be. Either way, WW is in control, not the individual crew member and not BASSA/UNITE.
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I went into CBK today and was suprised to see thousands of pickets positioned at the gate...Oh... hang on... I don't belong to BASSA!
BASSA are being a little economical with the truth and I, for one, am glad that BA are now pointing this out to the media. I’m also coming to the conclusion that Unite have got themselves into a pickle because of the stupidity/militancy of their BASSA branch. It really is time for Unite to sacrifice the BASSA reps for the greater good.
If UNITE have been relying on the info that BASSA have been passing to them then they really are screwed. As an operational engineer I found the following illuminating.
Here’s an extract from the latest example of Unite’s view of yesterday.
Early reports suggest a strike-breaking volunteer crew has broken an exit. They are said to have "blown a slide" i.e. broken the function needed when the doors go from automatic to manual on landing. This means that the emergency services need to attend to make the plane fit to fly;
A blown slide is not “a broken exit”
They have not broken the “function needed when the doors go from automatic to manual”
The emergency services have nothing to do with the airplanes fitness to fly.
Plenty of slides are blown when BA’s a/c are not crewed by volunteers.
To all my colleagues who have ‘stepped up’ to keep the airline running ‘Good luck and God bless you all’
PS To Unite- there is only one “e” at the end of the word Entebbe
but there are 2 "b"s.
BASSA are being a little economical with the truth and I, for one, am glad that BA are now pointing this out to the media. I’m also coming to the conclusion that Unite have got themselves into a pickle because of the stupidity/militancy of their BASSA branch. It really is time for Unite to sacrifice the BASSA reps for the greater good.
If UNITE have been relying on the info that BASSA have been passing to them then they really are screwed. As an operational engineer I found the following illuminating.
Here’s an extract from the latest example of Unite’s view of yesterday.
Early reports suggest a strike-breaking volunteer crew has broken an exit. They are said to have "blown a slide" i.e. broken the function needed when the doors go from automatic to manual on landing. This means that the emergency services need to attend to make the plane fit to fly;
A blown slide is not “a broken exit”
They have not broken the “function needed when the doors go from automatic to manual”
The emergency services have nothing to do with the airplanes fitness to fly.
Plenty of slides are blown when BA’s a/c are not crewed by volunteers.
To all my colleagues who have ‘stepped up’ to keep the airline running ‘Good luck and God bless you all’
PS To Unite- there is only one “e” at the end of the word Entebbe
but there are 2 "b"s.
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Bacabincrew/Bashareholder 
Well possibly, but 4-7 won't be fully known until they turn up for work in a few hours time.
In the meantime, What has been achieved through the strike? Let's reaffirm shall we:
1. Widespread public condemnation
2. Cabin crew bringing shame on our community with WW faces etc.
3. Loss of revenue
4. BA still not negotiating
5. Strikers losing pay and staff travel (it will happen)
6. A now divided workforce - strikers and non-strikers
7. Unite still no further forward than they were a week/month/year ago.
Unless you can think of anything else it has achieved BAcabincrew?
I suppose just to re-affirm some things
1 The strike did indeed last for 3 days
2 The first 200 crew who went on strike where in fact not dismissed
3 The strike did not collapse after 2 hours
4 The company has not 'locked out' any strikers
5 All crew are to work to their planned rosters following the strike
6 No crew have to sign a 'no strike' pledge
7 Staff travel has not yet been taken away from strikers
1 The strike did indeed last for 3 days
2 The first 200 crew who went on strike where in fact not dismissed
3 The strike did not collapse after 2 hours
4 The company has not 'locked out' any strikers
5 All crew are to work to their planned rosters following the strike
6 No crew have to sign a 'no strike' pledge
7 Staff travel has not yet been taken away from strikers
In the meantime, What has been achieved through the strike? Let's reaffirm shall we:
1. Widespread public condemnation
2. Cabin crew bringing shame on our community with WW faces etc.
3. Loss of revenue
4. BA still not negotiating
5. Strikers losing pay and staff travel (it will happen)
6. A now divided workforce - strikers and non-strikers
7. Unite still no further forward than they were a week/month/year ago.
Unless you can think of anything else it has achieved BAcabincrew?
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I think 'bacabincrew' is right, I can't read it any other way!
If you went on strike for a day or two, then decided to come in on day 3, you would have a 'chat'.
If you were on strike for the 3 days, you would come in for your next trip, no chat.
Although I can't imagine why some need a chat and some don't....
Edited to add.... also, say if you were starting 3 day USA with 3 days off on day 1 of the strike, but you were on strike for the 3 days, and were willing to come in on what was your 1st day off, then you would also have a 'chat'...
I think....................................................... .......
If you went on strike for a day or two, then decided to come in on day 3, you would have a 'chat'.
If you were on strike for the 3 days, you would come in for your next trip, no chat.
Although I can't imagine why some need a chat and some don't....
Edited to add.... also, say if you were starting 3 day USA with 3 days off on day 1 of the strike, but you were on strike for the 3 days, and were willing to come in on what was your 1st day off, then you would also have a 'chat'...
I think....................................................... .......
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Sad times
HF (post 71), many thanks for posting the photo of CWL, but for the life of me I couldn't see the 20 odd BA aircraft parked there!!! Funny that, 
, perhaps Unite/BASSA have been 'fibbing' - perish the thought
.
Meal chucker post (84), great post.
Birdspeed (post 103), portraying WW as Hitler is just the latest dreadful comparison from the union (iwo jima). IMHO Unite are not just being led by the nose by BASSA, they realise there is no easy way of extracting themselves from this pile of pooh, no matter how big their wellies are.
Bacabincrew, it's good to have you on the forum, but seriously, BASSA/Unite leaving LGW with no picket from c.1100. I wonder why?
Do BASSA really give a hoot about their LGW colleagues, who according to Unite, strongly support this action!!!
, perhaps Unite/BASSA have been 'fibbing' - perish the thought.Meal chucker post (84), great post.
Birdspeed (post 103), portraying WW as Hitler is just the latest dreadful comparison from the union (iwo jima). IMHO Unite are not just being led by the nose by BASSA, they realise there is no easy way of extracting themselves from this pile of pooh, no matter how big their wellies are.
Bacabincrew, it's good to have you on the forum, but seriously, BASSA/Unite leaving LGW with no picket from c.1100. I wonder why?
Do BASSA really give a hoot about their LGW colleagues, who according to Unite, strongly support this action!!!
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My 747 flight (long range) was crewed normally, to full complement by non-striking cabin crew. No volunteers as obviously the vols haven't been trained on the 747, They provided the full service in every cabin with every seat sold. The flights here for all 3 strike days were similarly full provided with a full service from full cabin crew complement.
So a great day for Bassa?
The real shame that Bassa supporters should feel is from the intimidation that the non-strikers have felt. The cabin crew were very scared of the consequences from their reps and from union supporters of coming to work, expecting to be harangued and abused by them as they overlapped in the hotel and at the airport. That they could feel that way shows the direputable way that the union operates, working as it does on the emotional and intimidatory level. It also shows their courage in taking the decision to work despite such potential conflict.
But cabin crew should not have any concerns in this area - the down route destinations have provided huge resources to ensure that there is no overlap, using different transport, hotel entrances and uniform changing facilities at the airport etc. There should be no fear that you will encounter any adverse comment. It was also made clear that anyone who might encounter the slightest issue in respect of intimidation, would have the immediate support and and positive action of the captain, the station manager, and some very senior BA managers who are down route at major destinations.
Our crews here are enjoying a relaxed time, able to chat with like-minded colleagues, commenting that the absence of the rhetoric and bile of the union militants is a refreshing change. (Perhaps a sign of things to come?)
As a consequence, having seen so many cabin crew report as normal for work, despite their obvious deep apprehension, I'm sure there must be thousands who went on strike purely because they fear the same retribution my crew felt. Those cabin crew who feel such concern should remove any doubt and report for work next weekend, as they will have a safe, enjoyable and conflict-free trip.
The true anti BA union supporters are very much in the minority - it is they who should be fearful of being on the wrong side of the argument, not the fair minded cabin crew who wish to work normally. Very soon we shall be seeing them exposed as the minority as they slowly wither on the periphery of the company, unable to take the loss in status that they perceive the strike will cause them.
The end is in sight, I believe.
So a great day for Bassa?
The real shame that Bassa supporters should feel is from the intimidation that the non-strikers have felt. The cabin crew were very scared of the consequences from their reps and from union supporters of coming to work, expecting to be harangued and abused by them as they overlapped in the hotel and at the airport. That they could feel that way shows the direputable way that the union operates, working as it does on the emotional and intimidatory level. It also shows their courage in taking the decision to work despite such potential conflict.
But cabin crew should not have any concerns in this area - the down route destinations have provided huge resources to ensure that there is no overlap, using different transport, hotel entrances and uniform changing facilities at the airport etc. There should be no fear that you will encounter any adverse comment. It was also made clear that anyone who might encounter the slightest issue in respect of intimidation, would have the immediate support and and positive action of the captain, the station manager, and some very senior BA managers who are down route at major destinations.
Our crews here are enjoying a relaxed time, able to chat with like-minded colleagues, commenting that the absence of the rhetoric and bile of the union militants is a refreshing change. (Perhaps a sign of things to come?)
As a consequence, having seen so many cabin crew report as normal for work, despite their obvious deep apprehension, I'm sure there must be thousands who went on strike purely because they fear the same retribution my crew felt. Those cabin crew who feel such concern should remove any doubt and report for work next weekend, as they will have a safe, enjoyable and conflict-free trip.
The true anti BA union supporters are very much in the minority - it is they who should be fearful of being on the wrong side of the argument, not the fair minded cabin crew who wish to work normally. Very soon we shall be seeing them exposed as the minority as they slowly wither on the periphery of the company, unable to take the loss in status that they perceive the strike will cause them.
The end is in sight, I believe.
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Interesting day ahead, as the mix of support/non-support meet at work for the 1st day post-action.
Please, would a pro-UNITE member of PPRuNE post a coherent argument/state-of the-nation missive as to how they see the situation from their POV?. This thread is far too skewed at the moment - pro BA. I am amazed to see that so much of BASSA's previous 'dodgy' (reckless, IMO) track record has been lost in the noise of the Woodley/Simpson/McCluskey roadshow.
BTW where is McCluskey? I'm still mindful of the sound bite from the 'ex docker', when he said at one of the BASSA racecourse meets...'I've been involved in a lot of strikes'. He might as well of added...'because I'm a cr@p negotiator'.
nurj
Please, would a pro-UNITE member of PPRuNE post a coherent argument/state-of the-nation missive as to how they see the situation from their POV?. This thread is far too skewed at the moment - pro BA. I am amazed to see that so much of BASSA's previous 'dodgy' (reckless, IMO) track record has been lost in the noise of the Woodley/Simpson/McCluskey roadshow.
BTW where is McCluskey? I'm still mindful of the sound bite from the 'ex docker', when he said at one of the BASSA racecourse meets...'I've been involved in a lot of strikes'. He might as well of added...'because I'm a cr@p negotiator'.
nurj
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My flight yesterday - Shorthaul reinstated flight (went back on sale about 20 hours prior to the flight going). Had 4 regular cabin crew turn up in a very busy CRC (no VCCs rostered or required). A very pleasant day trip.
Two crew were Bassa members. A text came in and they seem to look at each other in a knowing manner, then agreed they had both done the right thing.
My hope for today is that everyone is professional and gets on with the job in hand, respecting each others right to a differing opinion.
Cough (driver, left hand side)
Two crew were Bassa members. A text came in and they seem to look at each other in a knowing manner, then agreed they had both done the right thing.
My hope for today is that everyone is professional and gets on with the job in hand, respecting each others right to a differing opinion.
Cough (driver, left hand side)
Thread Starter
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Good Morning
Just wanted to re-post the ROE for this thread at the start of a new day.
This thread is intended for use by people presently employed as airline staff.
If you do not fall into this category - please do not post here: Please visit the Pax/SLF Forum where there is an active thread running HERE that welcomes your thoughts.
Many thanks - over to you
Just wanted to re-post the ROE for this thread at the start of a new day.
This thread is intended for use by people presently employed as airline staff.
If you do not fall into this category - please do not post here: Please visit the Pax/SLF Forum where there is an active thread running HERE that welcomes your thoughts.
Many thanks - over to you
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Well, over an hour and a half, and no new postings.
Well here's one.
The BASSA diehards will never be persuaded that their cause might just be a teeny weeny bit flawed in many aspects. So, how does Willie Walsh handle their return to the fold? Do we think that this coming weekend's strike is going to be absolutely pivotal in singling out the militant/misguided? Then what? Lockout?
UNITE/BASSA are being comfortably marginalised as this goes on. How on earth can they recover ANY credibility after this. Only the daftest of hardliner will have failed to have noticed a 'fairly' amazing atmosphere of like-minded crew, amongst those operating last weekend. I only hope to whoever, that the positive attitudes will continue and prove to be virulently infectous.
nurj
Well here's one.
The BASSA diehards will never be persuaded that their cause might just be a teeny weeny bit flawed in many aspects. So, how does Willie Walsh handle their return to the fold? Do we think that this coming weekend's strike is going to be absolutely pivotal in singling out the militant/misguided? Then what? Lockout?
UNITE/BASSA are being comfortably marginalised as this goes on. How on earth can they recover ANY credibility after this. Only the daftest of hardliner will have failed to have noticed a 'fairly' amazing atmosphere of like-minded crew, amongst those operating last weekend. I only hope to whoever, that the positive attitudes will continue and prove to be virulently infectous.
nurj
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From the behaviour I have witnessed at work this weekend, we have so many wonderful cabin crew who have been both brave in coming, and very conscientious with the passengers. As for the behaviour I have witnessed in the media, quite frankly we don't need them back. It's almost like mass hypnosis in the way they have been mislead by their union, and I cannot see that ingrained feeling of bitterness and injustice being resolved. Booing our aircraft? WTF is all that about? If they are not proud to work for BA (and they have given nothing but empty words in that area), then I cannot see them providing the customer service we need in the cabin.
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I agree, there seems to be much denial with the BASSA diehards. I do not think their behaviour at the Bedfont Football Club has done them any favours whatsoever. From my point of view, I totally back the Board especially after witnessing such disloyal and juvenille actions. This further emboldens my stance, especially as so many of us at BA have given so much due to the companies financial situation. Let's channel our feelings of anger and disgust into further backing the Airline and move forward with those who wish to be on board and make this iconic Airline the envy of all Airlines. And a heartfelt thanks to the Cabin Crew and volunteers who worked through this unjustifed dispute. You have done us proud
Last edited by ranger07; 23rd Mar 2010 at 13:02.
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Furthermore, if you get the chance, read today's SUN editorial, page 8. Succinct.
nurj
PS. I, too, applaud the BA Backers.. A magnificent response. Mr Walsh, I applaud you the most; but, I await your handling of the mislead - it could be your finest hour yet.
PPS. ..and the language being used on the intranet is pretty bullish. Oh, and the share price creeeeeeps..............upwards.
nurj
PS. I, too, applaud the BA Backers.
. A magnificent response. Mr Walsh, I applaud you the most; but, I await your handling of the mislead - it could be your finest hour yet.PPS. ..and the language being used on the intranet is pretty bullish. Oh, and the share price creeeeeeps..............upwards.
Last edited by nurjio; 23rd Mar 2010 at 12:03. Reason: Share Price
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I totally support any crew that have seen through the last ditch atemps of Bassa/unite to protect the senior/ militant crew that believe BA is not in
difficulties and refuse to accept change.
I have taken a pay cut, many of my friends in other companies, airlines and other industries have also seen pay cuts and job losses, this is the most uncertain and difficult time i've seen in my 25 years of working. I have
still yet to find any unite member that can tell me exactly why their union has hit the distruct button, or indeed where they think a compromise/ aggrement can be made.
I was in T5 crc on sunday and I can confirm that the number of crew working was more in line with what BA had quoted rather than the nonsence Unite had quoted. Indeed this is exactly what a main crewmember told me yesterday when see got a Bassa text telling her less than 10 crew had reported to work, I fear that Unite has now told so many lies they now believe them, and no longer know or want to know what the truth is.
To the handfull of crew I drove past on the picket line ( sunday ), who were waving and cheering I hope you will still be happy when you touchdown in the real world, you are putting everyones jobs on the line.
I noted on the TV during the strike a Unite rep(I wasnt interested in his name)
quoted "WE BALLOTED 12000 MEMBERS AND 90% ARE STRIKING",
yet in another report again from unite 200 MEMBER HAD GATHERED AT BEDFONT FC TO PICKET. Anyone with even the most basic maths ability can workout 200 out of alleged 10500+ strikers is not strong support...
So again a big well done to BA and its supporters for the great work this week end, and do continue as long as its needed.:
difficulties and refuse to accept change.
I have taken a pay cut, many of my friends in other companies, airlines and other industries have also seen pay cuts and job losses, this is the most uncertain and difficult time i've seen in my 25 years of working. I have
still yet to find any unite member that can tell me exactly why their union has hit the distruct button, or indeed where they think a compromise/ aggrement can be made.
I was in T5 crc on sunday and I can confirm that the number of crew working was more in line with what BA had quoted rather than the nonsence Unite had quoted. Indeed this is exactly what a main crewmember told me yesterday when see got a Bassa text telling her less than 10 crew had reported to work, I fear that Unite has now told so many lies they now believe them, and no longer know or want to know what the truth is.
To the handfull of crew I drove past on the picket line ( sunday ), who were waving and cheering I hope you will still be happy when you touchdown in the real world, you are putting everyones jobs on the line.
I noted on the TV during the strike a Unite rep(I wasnt interested in his name)
quoted "WE BALLOTED 12000 MEMBERS AND 90% ARE STRIKING",
yet in another report again from unite 200 MEMBER HAD GATHERED AT BEDFONT FC TO PICKET. Anyone with even the most basic maths ability can workout 200 out of alleged 10500+ strikers is not strong support...
So again a big well done to BA and its supporters for the great work this week end, and do continue as long as its needed.
:
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OMG - O'Leary - 5 Live @ 1323 - absolutely amazing! Quotes 'Solidarity, anti-unionist rant, BA blackmailed by an out of control union. Cabin crew set to lose the most. Why did 3/4 of cc report to work? CC realise your position. It is imperative that BA win'.
I suppose he's publicity hunting but, nontheless, spot on IMHO.
The next bloke on is poor.
Wow.
nurj
I suppose he's publicity hunting but, nontheless, spot on IMHO.
The next bloke on is poor.
Wow.
nurj