British Airways vs. BASSA (Airline Staff Only)
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Lanyards
BA pilot walks into CRC, sees a BALPA lanyard, and thinks "a friend".
BASSA crew walk in and see a BASSA lanyard, and thinks "a fellow striker".
Non strikers walk in and see a BASSA lanyard, and think "oh my God, these are the people who have made veiled threats against me, who have bullied and harassed my friends, and who are likely to make my trip a misery".
It would be irresponsible of BA not to enforce uniform standards in the circumstances.
BASSA crew walk in and see a BASSA lanyard, and thinks "a fellow striker".
Non strikers walk in and see a BASSA lanyard, and think "oh my God, these are the people who have made veiled threats against me, who have bullied and harassed my friends, and who are likely to make my trip a misery".
It would be irresponsible of BA not to enforce uniform standards in the circumstances.
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JoseBarahona
I appreciate your honesty.
IYCSWICSWICW
BASSA have offered BA several proposals. BASSA have offered BA savings of £62.5 million a year, which was rejected by BA. This has never been about saving money. This has always been about breaking our union.
Betty girl
How would you feel if your department went on strike and the IFCE filled your roles to break your strike?
If you don't want to work with us, there's no need for you to volunteer for flying duties. If you do work on a flight with striking crew, there's no need for you to speak to them (us) more than necessary other than for operational requirements and safety issues or socialise with them (us) downroute.
wiggy
How about ST? Apparently some pilots are in benefit from the amount of crew who have lost ST. They seem to get on their flights easier than before.
Tiramisu
Of course I'm worried about my career and what might happen if (or when) I go on another strike. It's saddening that some of you go to work and can't see what's happening. As I have said, we all do what we believe in.
If VR is not happening, there's only one solution left.
Wirbelsturm
The atmosphere onboard was pleasant? Following information was given to me by a close friend of mine who is an ICC. I take it you weren't on any of the flights which were crewed by ICC who said the pilots would not participate in the service as they were only trained to cover the doors, resulting in the service taking a lot longer than usual. It surely sounds like I must have missed something.
ranger07
Clearly another statement that this has never been about "fight for survival" if they have enough money to pay overtime.
I appreciate your honesty.
IYCSWICSWICW
BASSA have offered BA several proposals. BASSA have offered BA savings of £62.5 million a year, which was rejected by BA. This has never been about saving money. This has always been about breaking our union.
Betty girl
How would you feel if your department went on strike and the IFCE filled your roles to break your strike?
If you don't want to work with us, there's no need for you to volunteer for flying duties. If you do work on a flight with striking crew, there's no need for you to speak to them (us) more than necessary other than for operational requirements and safety issues or socialise with them (us) downroute.
wiggy
How about ST? Apparently some pilots are in benefit from the amount of crew who have lost ST. They seem to get on their flights easier than before.
Tiramisu
Of course I'm worried about my career and what might happen if (or when) I go on another strike. It's saddening that some of you go to work and can't see what's happening. As I have said, we all do what we believe in.
If VR is not happening, there's only one solution left.
Wirbelsturm
The atmosphere onboard was pleasant? Following information was given to me by a close friend of mine who is an ICC. I take it you weren't on any of the flights which were crewed by ICC who said the pilots would not participate in the service as they were only trained to cover the doors, resulting in the service taking a lot longer than usual. It surely sounds like I must have missed something.
ranger07
Clearly another statement that this has never been about "fight for survival" if they have enough money to pay overtime.
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I, and many others, will go on strike for as long as it takes. We all do what we believe in.
Please answer this honestly. Can you please tell me what you and other strikers have achieved by striking so far and what you hope to achieve by further strikes? Just a straight, honest answer please.
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Willie Walsh interview
Here is the link to a video of an FT interview with Willie Walsh.
Jun 10: Willie Walsh of BA - full interview - view from the top - companies - FT.com
Here are some highlights from the interview.
Why are you pursuing this strike at the moment to the bitter end?
I don't see it as the bitter end. It's important to point out that the vast majority of cabin crew have actually continued to work. But it's absolutely critical to BA that we address the inefficiency in our business.
What kind of change in culture do you want to see?
We've got to make immediate savings to compensate for the significant downturn in revenue that we've seen. But more importantly, we've got to have a cost base that's competitive, and that isn't the case at BA or it certainly wasn't the case.
But you've largely agreed on the cost savings. People don't really know what the dispute is about now.
The issue really is translating an agreement in principle into changes in behaviour and changes in work practices. I've been involved in industrial relations for almost 30 years, and I recognise that the most important part of any deal is implementation.
What will you do if there is a new ballot?
I will do anything and everything within the law to ensure that BA can continue to fly. So the message to our customers is that BA will continue to fly. The trade union has failed in its objective to ground BA.
Aren't you worried about losing some core corporate customers?
No, I'm not. My sole worry is about long-term viability. These customers want to see BA succeed. We've had fantastic support from our corporates and fantastic support from our regular customers.
Could you sack the striking crew?
The question I think is irrelevant, because we've demonstrated that we can succeed in operating our schedules with the cabin crew who are coming to work.
When did you last go on holiday?
I haven't taken a holiday in just over five years [since becoming BA chief executive]. But I love my work. I'm loving my job at BA.
What's the point of being a full-cost, premium airline when you often treat passengers a bit like Ryanair does?
We don't treat passengers like Ryanair.
People talk about poorer service.
Our customer service standards have risen. Our operational performance has increased.
On baggage, for example, it seems you're counting each kilo and each pound and applying rules very strictly instead of using common sense.
The issue that caused many of my customers to complain directly to me was one day the people didn't charge them when they should have, and the next day they were charged. Now the problem there is: that's inconsistent, so the customer is confused. What we've said is that's unfair to customers.
Does it make sense to merge with Iberia, another former state-owned airline with highly paid crew?
It makes sense to pursue consolidation in this industry. Iberia has got a fantastic network in Latin America.
Jun 10: Willie Walsh of BA - full interview - view from the top - companies - FT.com
Here are some highlights from the interview.
Why are you pursuing this strike at the moment to the bitter end?
I don't see it as the bitter end. It's important to point out that the vast majority of cabin crew have actually continued to work. But it's absolutely critical to BA that we address the inefficiency in our business.
What kind of change in culture do you want to see?
We've got to make immediate savings to compensate for the significant downturn in revenue that we've seen. But more importantly, we've got to have a cost base that's competitive, and that isn't the case at BA or it certainly wasn't the case.
But you've largely agreed on the cost savings. People don't really know what the dispute is about now.
The issue really is translating an agreement in principle into changes in behaviour and changes in work practices. I've been involved in industrial relations for almost 30 years, and I recognise that the most important part of any deal is implementation.
What will you do if there is a new ballot?
I will do anything and everything within the law to ensure that BA can continue to fly. So the message to our customers is that BA will continue to fly. The trade union has failed in its objective to ground BA.
Aren't you worried about losing some core corporate customers?
No, I'm not. My sole worry is about long-term viability. These customers want to see BA succeed. We've had fantastic support from our corporates and fantastic support from our regular customers.
Could you sack the striking crew?
The question I think is irrelevant, because we've demonstrated that we can succeed in operating our schedules with the cabin crew who are coming to work.
When did you last go on holiday?
I haven't taken a holiday in just over five years [since becoming BA chief executive]. But I love my work. I'm loving my job at BA.
What's the point of being a full-cost, premium airline when you often treat passengers a bit like Ryanair does?
We don't treat passengers like Ryanair.
People talk about poorer service.
Our customer service standards have risen. Our operational performance has increased.
On baggage, for example, it seems you're counting each kilo and each pound and applying rules very strictly instead of using common sense.
The issue that caused many of my customers to complain directly to me was one day the people didn't charge them when they should have, and the next day they were charged. Now the problem there is: that's inconsistent, so the customer is confused. What we've said is that's unfair to customers.
Does it make sense to merge with Iberia, another former state-owned airline with highly paid crew?
It makes sense to pursue consolidation in this industry. Iberia has got a fantastic network in Latin America.
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Clearly another statement that this has never been about "fight for survival" if they have enough money to pay overtime.
MissM
How about ST? Apparently some pilots are in benefit from the amount of crew who have lost ST. They seem to get on their flights easier than before.
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Nobody can say where they will be in one year. I hope to still be employed by BA and making the sort of money I earn today.
BASSA are not the only one to be blamed. All of the strikebreaking crew, including the VCC, should also be held responsible. If they hadn't reported for duty, this strike would have been over in days. The strikebreaking crew should be ashamed of themselves for not having the courage to go on strike whilst enjoying the terms and conditions which BASSA have fought hard for.
BASSA are not the only one to be blamed. All of the strikebreaking crew, including the VCC, should also be held responsible. If they hadn't reported for duty, this strike would have been over in days. The strikebreaking crew should be ashamed of themselves for not having the courage to go on strike whilst enjoying the terms and conditions which BASSA have fought hard for.
Make no mistake about it Miss M, If the workers hadn't reported for duty, and I include myself, 80% of my cabin crew colleagues (many of whom have now joined the Professional Cabin Crew Council) and the VCC, you would, most probably, not now have a job "earning the sort of money that you earn today".
We saved our company. We did not renege on our duty and we will not do so in the future. We did what we were employed to do - we worked FOR BA not AGAINST them. We will continue to do so, regardless of what BASSA tell you and the ever-decreasing strikers to do.
If you need a new lanyard - there are plenty of Backing BA lanyards available. If you still want your job and your, by your own admission, lucrative income, then I would seriously suggest you get off the BASSA merry-go-round. If not, and you are no longer employed by BA in one years time, then you will only have yourself to blame.
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Those BASSA supporters who have questioned whether WW is acting alone on this and asked for Martin Broughton to intervene may wish to read the following from the latest edition of the BA Shareholders magazine (page 6):
British Airways - Investor Relations - Shareholder Magazine
British Airways - Investor Relations - Shareholder Magazine
One City commentator asked whether company chairmen, including myself, had gone "missing in action" during the difficulties various companies have faced. I think that showed a misunderstanding of that role. It is vital that everyone understands who is boss: the CEO. People get confused when chairmen are too visible. To suggest that I should have been personally dealing with the union is just that - a misunderstanding. I want to make my role absolutely clear. The chair should concentrate on supporting management and reassuring the shareholders. I said throughout the strike that if they needed that reassurance. I would be there for them. In that sense, my job has been made easy because shareholders fully understand what we are doing, and why, and support us doing it.
The question is always about how Willie has handled the dispute. If they ask, was he brought in to smash the unions? No. Was he brought in to tackle the obsolete working practices? Yes. Did we want someone who would be strong enough to tackle and not get cowed into thinking it was all too difficult? Yes. Did we recognise this could lead to industrial action? Yess. But did we think it was worth it? Yes.
When Willie joined, we said we wanted an efficient, effective and consumer-driven airline. Although we have eliminated some inappropriate working practices, we still have others tied up with outdated union agreements. So these have to be dealt with, and we needed someone to do that. We absolutely believe in unions having a very real role to play.
The question is always about how Willie has handled the dispute. If they ask, was he brought in to smash the unions? No. Was he brought in to tackle the obsolete working practices? Yes. Did we want someone who would be strong enough to tackle and not get cowed into thinking it was all too difficult? Yes. Did we recognise this could lead to industrial action? Yess. But did we think it was worth it? Yes.
When Willie joined, we said we wanted an efficient, effective and consumer-driven airline. Although we have eliminated some inappropriate working practices, we still have others tied up with outdated union agreements. So these have to be dealt with, and we needed someone to do that. We absolutely believe in unions having a very real role to play.
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MissM,
you ask the question
I believe this was indeed the case, albeit many years ago, when some members of both the CC and FC communities took on some ground support roles during a dispute.
One drawback of standing on a pedestal ... you can get knocked off.
you ask the question
How would you feel if your department went on strike and the IFCE filled your roles to break your strike?
One drawback of standing on a pedestal ... you can get knocked off.
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Miss M you said
This I felt was such an arrogant viewpoint that I was moved to post for the first time in ages.
You seem not to realise that others are working extra shifts in order that the volunteers may be released to cover flights.
You perhaps do not realise just how little support BASSA has outside the touchlines of Bedfont.
As an aside, the Stateside trip I have just done had its share of BASSA-labelled strikers. There was a late aircraft change leading to mini hissy-fits. A total contrast to the pleasant atmosphere during the strikes.
Are they taken from other departments in BA? Read my reply above. If there's time for them to go through training, their jobs cannot be that important.
You seem not to realise that others are working extra shifts in order that the volunteers may be released to cover flights.
You perhaps do not realise just how little support BASSA has outside the touchlines of Bedfont.
As an aside, the Stateside trip I have just done had its share of BASSA-labelled strikers. There was a late aircraft change leading to mini hissy-fits. A total contrast to the pleasant atmosphere during the strikes.
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MissM, in an earlier post you stated that you preferred to accept VR. How do you think that is going to benefit your career prospects. Aviation is a small world.
Last edited by cldrvr; 15th Jun 2010 at 20:57. Reason: syntax
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The atmosphere onboard was pleasant? Following information was given to me by a close friend of mine who is an ICC. I take it you weren't on any of the flights which were crewed by ICC who said the pilots would not participate in the service as they were only trained to cover the doors, resulting in the service taking a lot longer than usual. It surely sounds like I must have missed something.
The VCC are trained to assist in the service as well. As their primary purpose, and safety critical according to BASSA, is safety then the majority of the course covers that. I know of no one that has refused to take part in the service. I have heard that the service has taken a little longer than normal bit that is to be expected.
But then I suppose you have all had plenty of time to get your stories of woe and inadequacies straight in the bar at Bedfont.
The sad fact is that 35,000+ people are so fed up with the rubbish that BASSA spout that they are prepared to use their own time, energy and resources protecting themselves and their jobs and Unite and BASSA can't see it.
Simpson and Woodly retire on their comfy Union paid pensions in December and Looney Len will probably inherit the top job with his £160,000 pay packet. Will they still give a stuff about you and BASSA? Not a chance.
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Savings
MissM wrote:
One of the most deplorable and frustrating aspects of this dispute is the strikers' inability or unwillingness to do some basic thinking as to why they went on strike. All we get is the BASSA mantra about stuff like making savings.
Well, let's look (again) about savings. As Duncan Holley himself wrote:
Do you get it MissM? A £17m loan, not a saving. Isn't it strange how you don't even read some of the stuff coming from your own side!
BASSA have offered BA several proposals. BASSA have offered BA savings of £62.5 million a year, which was rejected by BA.
Well, let's look (again) about savings. As Duncan Holley himself wrote:
So, we were 17m short and took the big step of offering a 2.6% pay cut on basic to narrow that gap with the safety clause of getting that money back by 2011 in a future pay deal.
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Not only do Unite provide a 800k house-for-life for Simpson, they pay the annual tax for the perk also at 40k a year back in 2007
Unite union members foot the bill for chief's £800,000 'grace-and-favour' home | Mail Online
Unite union members foot the bill for chief's £800,000 'grace-and-favour' home | Mail Online
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I think it is fair to say that a good many, not all, but a good many of BASSA loyalists have not the faintest inkling as to the significance of the article in the shareholders magazine.
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IYCSWICSWICW
Do you think he would openly admit that he wants to break BASSA?
wiggy
Many rumours circulating of course but there's a word going around that WW will lose the support of the pilots should he return ST. Seeing as enough crew are turning up for duty if you are to believe BA, he doesn't need the support of the pilots any longer.
HiFlyer14
No, you did not save BA. This has never been a fight for survival.
Seeing as you seem to be happy to accept the terms and conditions which BASSA have fought for you without actually fighting for them yourself, maybe you should transfer yourself over onto New Fleet once it has been set up. I don't believe in having the cake and eating it at the same time which is exactly what you are doing.
No need for a new lanyard. I'm happy wearing my ID on my jacket.
There's a lot of talk about PCCC. When are you actually going to step forward?
strikemasters82
Extra shifts for extra pay?
cldrvr
It's not going to benefit my career. Neither would be working at a shrinking fleet.
Wirbelsturm
This ICC is a very close friend of mine and we didn't talk about it "in a noisy pub".
I know very well that these VCC are trained to participate in the service. My post referred to, what I assume, were you flight deck colleagues who would not participate in the service.
Will WW give a stuff about us? No, of course not. He's not here for life and doesn't have to worry about our careers. As long as he keeps the board and the shareholders happy there's nothing else to it.
Do you think he would openly admit that he wants to break BASSA?
wiggy
Many rumours circulating of course but there's a word going around that WW will lose the support of the pilots should he return ST. Seeing as enough crew are turning up for duty if you are to believe BA, he doesn't need the support of the pilots any longer.
HiFlyer14
No, you did not save BA. This has never been a fight for survival.
Seeing as you seem to be happy to accept the terms and conditions which BASSA have fought for you without actually fighting for them yourself, maybe you should transfer yourself over onto New Fleet once it has been set up. I don't believe in having the cake and eating it at the same time which is exactly what you are doing.
No need for a new lanyard. I'm happy wearing my ID on my jacket.
There's a lot of talk about PCCC. When are you actually going to step forward?
strikemasters82
Extra shifts for extra pay?
cldrvr
It's not going to benefit my career. Neither would be working at a shrinking fleet.
Wirbelsturm
This ICC is a very close friend of mine and we didn't talk about it "in a noisy pub".
I know very well that these VCC are trained to participate in the service. My post referred to, what I assume, were you flight deck colleagues who would not participate in the service.
Will WW give a stuff about us? No, of course not. He's not here for life and doesn't have to worry about our careers. As long as he keeps the board and the shareholders happy there's nothing else to it.
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Miss M,
I think you might have thought I was a volunteer. I am a EF purser and as such I have no choice but to work with crew that did strike.
I try and treat everyone the same on my flights, be they non-strikers or strikers. I don't actively try and find out if someone is a striker but I know alot of striking crew do that and it is very intimidating especially for the main crew, that did not strike, who then have to work with them.
I just want to add a great big thank you to all the volunteers. I did not fly with any on eurofleet, not many were used on our fleet, however I did meet many who helped in the car parks and as we got off the buses. I just wanted to let you know how greatful all of us are, to you all, for all your hard work to make us feel safe coming to work. Thank you.
It was a pleasure to work during the strike. All the passengers were so thankful and the cabin crew and pilots were so relaxed and happy it was great. It is almost a shame it had to end!!! Not really, but I think all of you that worked know what I mean.
I think you might have thought I was a volunteer. I am a EF purser and as such I have no choice but to work with crew that did strike.
I try and treat everyone the same on my flights, be they non-strikers or strikers. I don't actively try and find out if someone is a striker but I know alot of striking crew do that and it is very intimidating especially for the main crew, that did not strike, who then have to work with them.
I just want to add a great big thank you to all the volunteers. I did not fly with any on eurofleet, not many were used on our fleet, however I did meet many who helped in the car parks and as we got off the buses. I just wanted to let you know how greatful all of us are, to you all, for all your hard work to make us feel safe coming to work. Thank you.
It was a pleasure to work during the strike. All the passengers were so thankful and the cabin crew and pilots were so relaxed and happy it was great. It is almost a shame it had to end!!! Not really, but I think all of you that worked know what I mean.
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MissM, thanks for your honest answer to my question.
In your last paragraph you hit the nail on the head. WW's only responsibility is to the shareholders, and as long as he has their backing, BASSA will not thriumph. Why do you think BASSA took the misguided step of taking out an advert in the FT directed to the shareholders.
The board and WW have made it perfectly clear, they will not accept the demands of BASSA. And the shareholders are listening.
BA's share price is up 7% since January and up 3% in the last 30 days. Compare this to Airfrance/KLM which has dropped 4% since January; draw your own conclusions.
In your last paragraph you hit the nail on the head. WW's only responsibility is to the shareholders, and as long as he has their backing, BASSA will not thriumph. Why do you think BASSA took the misguided step of taking out an advert in the FT directed to the shareholders.
The board and WW have made it perfectly clear, they will not accept the demands of BASSA. And the shareholders are listening.
BA's share price is up 7% since January and up 3% in the last 30 days. Compare this to Airfrance/KLM which has dropped 4% since January; draw your own conclusions.
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MissM - I have a feeling that I might know who you are.
If it's you - it's dreary to see that you have gone this militant during your 15 years in BA - especially as you never used to come across this severe - and definitely not when you got your wings when you were 18.
I apologize if I am mistaken you for somebody else - but please wake up and stop listening to BASSA and their rubbish - come to work if there's a new strike and support BA - support your career.
If it's you - it's dreary to see that you have gone this militant during your 15 years in BA - especially as you never used to come across this severe - and definitely not when you got your wings when you were 18.
I apologize if I am mistaken you for somebody else - but please wake up and stop listening to BASSA and their rubbish - come to work if there's a new strike and support BA - support your career.