British Airways vs. BASSA (current Airline Staff Only)
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How can viewing an internet forum be illegal. If BASSA members want something to remain private don't publish it online in the first place!
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The cultural cleansing of existing crew grows at a pace; everyday more and more crew are being suspended, essentially for having a “different” opinion.
It is obvious that from now on, “Bull” Francis’s intentions would appear to be to make life as difficult as possible for existing crew. The strategy is plainly to prize, dislodge and make life as uncomfortable for as many “expensive” people as possible, as quickly as possible, to be replaced by the cheaper and more flexible mixed fleet crew.
62 suspended.
12 sacked.
How can this be? It is estimated to be an amount six times greater than the rest of British Airways put together, yet it’s all happening within our department.
Virtually every day we receive a desperate call from another crew member, who has been humiliatingly dragged from their briefing and suspended, for yet another minor incident.
People dare not have an opinion, let alone voice it; it’s common place, almost encouraged by a policy designed to victimise those that dared to go on strike, sadly often encouraged by those that didn’t.
We received this letter from a recently sacked crew member; we found it both moving and poignant. How did he discover he had been sacked? He checked ESS to discover he had simply been removed, though they hadn’t actually bothered to tell him yet.
These are *****'s words, not ours; we hope you will spare a minute to read them.
“I was sacked yesterday. I’m out but I’m not down.
My crime was to take the mickey out of those who volunteered to break our lawful industrial action. I intended to bring a little light relief to a bad situation but now I’m called a bully. That’s a little bit rich coming from the company who have treated me and my union with absolute contempt from the minute I was taken off the aircraft four months ago until the moment I walked out of my meeting yesterday. It begs the question, who is bullying whom?
Hundreds of you found what I wrote to be funny and you told me so but you count for nothing against the words of another single anonymous pilot who said he was bullied by me even though he also states that we have never met. I may never know if that is true or not. I have never intended any offence and if I did cause any then I apologise unreservedly but at the same time, I was never offered the opportunity to do so to the person concerned because it didn’t suit BA’s purpose. Offence is not the same as bullying and should never be classed as such.
My reason for finally posting again on here after my prolonged enforced absence is simply to warn all of you to be careful what you say and to whom. BA know that they are breaking the law in monitoring this forum and there is a good chance that the first person to read this won’t even be cabin crew let alone a member of the union. They’ve stopped even pretending to care about that. I firmly believe that they are making a massive mistake.
BA have taken a noble policy against bullying and have turned it into their preferred weapon of choice against union members simply because it carries the penalty of dismissal. That above all is the biggest crime our employers have committed and they should not be forgiven for it. Ever!
Do I regret what I did? No! Would I do the same thing again?
Yes.
Freedom is hard won but it is worth fighting for as nothing is more precious and we should use every weapon we have in our armoury to defend ourselves. My weapon of choice was satire. I will believe to my last breath that I have the right to point out the ridiculous nature of the things that BA are doing by using humour and I have paid their price for that but it is one I was always prepared for. I won’t be silenced when I want to stand up for what is right and nobody should.
You are a wonderful community made up of wonderful varied and talented people and I shall miss that more than anything. Don’t be sorry for me. I don’t feel sorry for myself. Be proud of what you are doing and always stand together and remain united. If you do, BA’s campaign will end in the ashes that they deserve. I will be with you every step of the way and will continue to do what I can to help in whatever way I can.
In the meantime,
Stay Strong!”
*********** name removed
--------
The cultural cleansing of existing crew grows at a pace; everyday more and more crew are being suspended, essentially for having a “different” opinion.
It is obvious that from now on, “Bull” Francis’s intentions would appear to be to make life as difficult as possible for existing crew. The strategy is plainly to prize, dislodge and make life as uncomfortable for as many “expensive” people as possible, as quickly as possible, to be replaced by the cheaper and more flexible mixed fleet crew.
62 suspended.
12 sacked.
How can this be? It is estimated to be an amount six times greater than the rest of British Airways put together, yet it’s all happening within our department.
Virtually every day we receive a desperate call from another crew member, who has been humiliatingly dragged from their briefing and suspended, for yet another minor incident.
People dare not have an opinion, let alone voice it; it’s common place, almost encouraged by a policy designed to victimise those that dared to go on strike, sadly often encouraged by those that didn’t.
We received this letter from a recently sacked crew member; we found it both moving and poignant. How did he discover he had been sacked? He checked ESS to discover he had simply been removed, though they hadn’t actually bothered to tell him yet.
These are *****'s words, not ours; we hope you will spare a minute to read them.
“I was sacked yesterday. I’m out but I’m not down.
My crime was to take the mickey out of those who volunteered to break our lawful industrial action. I intended to bring a little light relief to a bad situation but now I’m called a bully. That’s a little bit rich coming from the company who have treated me and my union with absolute contempt from the minute I was taken off the aircraft four months ago until the moment I walked out of my meeting yesterday. It begs the question, who is bullying whom?
Hundreds of you found what I wrote to be funny and you told me so but you count for nothing against the words of another single anonymous pilot who said he was bullied by me even though he also states that we have never met. I may never know if that is true or not. I have never intended any offence and if I did cause any then I apologise unreservedly but at the same time, I was never offered the opportunity to do so to the person concerned because it didn’t suit BA’s purpose. Offence is not the same as bullying and should never be classed as such.
My reason for finally posting again on here after my prolonged enforced absence is simply to warn all of you to be careful what you say and to whom. BA know that they are breaking the law in monitoring this forum and there is a good chance that the first person to read this won’t even be cabin crew let alone a member of the union. They’ve stopped even pretending to care about that. I firmly believe that they are making a massive mistake.
BA have taken a noble policy against bullying and have turned it into their preferred weapon of choice against union members simply because it carries the penalty of dismissal. That above all is the biggest crime our employers have committed and they should not be forgiven for it. Ever!
Do I regret what I did? No! Would I do the same thing again?
Yes.
Freedom is hard won but it is worth fighting for as nothing is more precious and we should use every weapon we have in our armoury to defend ourselves. My weapon of choice was satire. I will believe to my last breath that I have the right to point out the ridiculous nature of the things that BA are doing by using humour and I have paid their price for that but it is one I was always prepared for. I won’t be silenced when I want to stand up for what is right and nobody should.
You are a wonderful community made up of wonderful varied and talented people and I shall miss that more than anything. Don’t be sorry for me. I don’t feel sorry for myself. Be proud of what you are doing and always stand together and remain united. If you do, BA’s campaign will end in the ashes that they deserve. I will be with you every step of the way and will continue to do what I can to help in whatever way I can.
In the meantime,
Stay Strong!”
*********** name removed
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Torchy747 wrote:
Torchy747, I agree with everything you said except for the use of the preposition 'for'. I'm sure you mean 'with' unless of course you independently employ crew outside of your duties with your employer? 
Compliments to the crew who have worked for me since this bebacle, professional as ever and committed to their job and passengers.
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Asperge,
You make the classic BASSA error in spouting rhetoric in lieu of fact. No-one who signed the contract offer from BA is headed to New Fleet or a 70% paycut and repeating it here and elsewhere a thousand times over doesn't make it a fact. I've read the letter forensically and it's as cast iron as you're ever likely to see in a corporate framework. As for those claiming that the signees have agreed to lose the redeployment agreement too, well, it makes a good rant but it isn't true. In fact, BA specifically refer to such corporate policies as being under the auspices of contractual negotiations so will only be altered globally and by that mechanism. Don't let the truth get in the way of a good rumour tho' will you?
MrB
You make the classic BASSA error in spouting rhetoric in lieu of fact. No-one who signed the contract offer from BA is headed to New Fleet or a 70% paycut and repeating it here and elsewhere a thousand times over doesn't make it a fact. I've read the letter forensically and it's as cast iron as you're ever likely to see in a corporate framework. As for those claiming that the signees have agreed to lose the redeployment agreement too, well, it makes a good rant but it isn't true. In fact, BA specifically refer to such corporate policies as being under the auspices of contractual negotiations so will only be altered globally and by that mechanism. Don't let the truth get in the way of a good rumour tho' will you?
MrB
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How can viewing an internet forum be illegal. If BASSA members want something to remain private don't publish it online in the first place!
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SACKINGS SUSPENSION etc
Just want to make a point that the diciplinery process are individuel matters that are dealt with on a case by case basis.
The only truth is what happens in that room between the protaganists.
One thing I am sure of and I speak as someone who has been through the whole process through to the final meeting. Everyone claims victim status and that they are part of a bum rap etc.
If they are innocent the process will set them free.
Please can we have no bleatings on their behalf here?
The only truth is what happens in that room between the protaganists.
One thing I am sure of and I speak as someone who has been through the whole process through to the final meeting. Everyone claims victim status and that they are part of a bum rap etc.
If they are innocent the process will set them free.
Please can we have no bleatings on their behalf here?
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Asperge, your post certainly did not make reference to the ICCs. Merely to non-unionised people. My wife's one of those and your line could've just as readily referred to her and those like her. As for the 70% paycut for ICC's - we both know that figure is hugely debatable.
I note you didn't rebut my point on the redeployment agreement. Rhetoric. I stand by my comments and your use of the "attack on trade unionists" line is no more than the standard BASSA BS of you're either with us or against us. Middle class militants channelling the spirit of Keir Hardie and quoting the SWP when it suits them. Really true to their politics and principles.
MrB
Addendum - those comments are in no way aimed at the vast number of crew.
I note you didn't rebut my point on the redeployment agreement. Rhetoric. I stand by my comments and your use of the "attack on trade unionists" line is no more than the standard BASSA BS of you're either with us or against us. Middle class militants channelling the spirit of Keir Hardie and quoting the SWP when it suits them. Really true to their politics and principles.
MrB
Addendum - those comments are in no way aimed at the vast number of crew.
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I didn't rebut your redeployment statement but then neither did I make any statement about it in my earlier post. You must be confusing your arguments with other times you have been wrong.
You read into my post what you wanted and then added to it and then chose to argue about it. I think you might want to read it again and rethink what you are arguing about.
You read into my post what you wanted and then added to it and then chose to argue about it. I think you might want to read it again and rethink what you are arguing about.
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Regards the redeployment agreement, I apologise, in that respect, I have erred. However, the rest of my points stand as I've reread your post on page 105 and there's no reference to ICCs. The rest of your post is bluff and bluster as so many of the pro-strikers arguments are, casting aspersion on the character and personality of those who elected to work. Not twisting much there at all, I'm afraid.
MrB
MrB
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I have not posted here for quite a fair while but as BA c/c I wanted to let you whilst I will be voting for and taking part in industrial action in the future if no fresh talks or offers are forthcoming.
It's clear that the long term view is to have all c/c on "new fleet" as quickly as in humanly possible. The statement of "40% of c/c over the next 10 years" I believe is a smoke screen to try and put crew fears on the back burner for a time.
I am more than happy, as most other crew are, to work with less crew onboard, to take a pay cut on my basic salary inline with out flight crew colleagues. I am not however prepared to let BA recruit cheaper crew in order to see me out of a job altogether. The route network going over to new fleet is at BA's whim. Of course it will be the routes that we as crew make most money from. Now as a head of a company I can of course see why they would do this. On the other hand however how an you say to a crew member "You are now going to earn XXXX pounds less per month"
I know this will cause people to bring up the monthly travel payents etc. However, how long were these "guaranteed" for?
Until February! Then what? If BA would give us some concrete guarantees it would avoid all of this.
I know that I have no career left at BA and the way that BA have treated so many of the crew community is apalling. However, although I know that our days are numbered I will still fight to the bitter end.
I know this won't be accepted by our flight deck colleagues but then again the relationships between "them and us" are down to the wire anyhow.
For those that are planning on staying I wish you all the best in what used to be a wonderful place to work, not just for the Tand C's but also for some of the great people.
It's clear that the long term view is to have all c/c on "new fleet" as quickly as in humanly possible. The statement of "40% of c/c over the next 10 years" I believe is a smoke screen to try and put crew fears on the back burner for a time.
I am more than happy, as most other crew are, to work with less crew onboard, to take a pay cut on my basic salary inline with out flight crew colleagues. I am not however prepared to let BA recruit cheaper crew in order to see me out of a job altogether. The route network going over to new fleet is at BA's whim. Of course it will be the routes that we as crew make most money from. Now as a head of a company I can of course see why they would do this. On the other hand however how an you say to a crew member "You are now going to earn XXXX pounds less per month"
I know this will cause people to bring up the monthly travel payents etc. However, how long were these "guaranteed" for?
Until February! Then what? If BA would give us some concrete guarantees it would avoid all of this.
I know that I have no career left at BA and the way that BA have treated so many of the crew community is apalling. However, although I know that our days are numbered I will still fight to the bitter end.
I know this won't be accepted by our flight deck colleagues but then again the relationships between "them and us" are down to the wire anyhow.
For those that are planning on staying I wish you all the best in what used to be a wonderful place to work, not just for the Tand C's but also for some of the great people.
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I am more than happy, as most other crew are, to work with less crew onboard, to take a pay cut on my basic salary inline with out flight crew colleagues
Atire or bullying
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tofster
I am more than happy, as most other crew are, to work with less crew onboard, to take a pay cut on my basic salary inline with out flight crew colleagues. I am not however prepared to let BA recruit cheaper crew in order to see me out of a job altogether. The route network going over to new fleet is at BA's whim. Of course it will be the routes that we as crew make most money from. Now as a head of a company I can of course see why they would do this. On the other hand however how an you say to a crew member "You are now going to earn XXXX pounds less per month"
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I have not posted here for quite a fair while but as BA c/c I wanted to let you whilst I will be voting for and taking part in industrial action in the future if no fresh talks or offers are forthcoming.
It's clear that the long term view is to have all c/c on "new fleet" as quickly as in humanly possible. The statement of "40% of c/c over the next 10 years" I believe is a smoke screen to try and put crew fears on the back burner for a time.
I am more than happy, as most other crew are, to work with less crew onboard, to take a pay cut on my basic salary inline with out flight crew colleagues. I am not however prepared to let BA recruit cheaper crew in order to see me out of a job altogether. The route network going over to new fleet is at BA's whim. Of course it will be the routes that we as crew make most money from. Now as a head of a company I can of course see why they would do this. On the other hand however how an you say to a crew member "You are now going to earn XXXX pounds less per month"
I know this will cause people to bring up the monthly travel payents etc. However, how long were these "guaranteed" for?
Until February! Then what? If BA would give us some concrete guarantees it would avoid all of this.
I know that I have no career left at BA and the way that BA have treated so many of the crew community is apalling. However, although I know that our days are numbered I will still fight to the bitter end.
I know this won't be accepted by our flight deck colleagues but then again the relationships between "them and us" are down to the wire anyhow.
For those that are planning on staying I wish you all the best in what used to be a wonderful place to work, not just for the Tand C's but also for some of the great people.
It's clear that the long term view is to have all c/c on "new fleet" as quickly as in humanly possible. The statement of "40% of c/c over the next 10 years" I believe is a smoke screen to try and put crew fears on the back burner for a time.
I am more than happy, as most other crew are, to work with less crew onboard, to take a pay cut on my basic salary inline with out flight crew colleagues. I am not however prepared to let BA recruit cheaper crew in order to see me out of a job altogether. The route network going over to new fleet is at BA's whim. Of course it will be the routes that we as crew make most money from. Now as a head of a company I can of course see why they would do this. On the other hand however how an you say to a crew member "You are now going to earn XXXX pounds less per month"
I know this will cause people to bring up the monthly travel payents etc. However, how long were these "guaranteed" for?
Until February! Then what? If BA would give us some concrete guarantees it would avoid all of this.
I know that I have no career left at BA and the way that BA have treated so many of the crew community is apalling. However, although I know that our days are numbered I will still fight to the bitter end.
I know this won't be accepted by our flight deck colleagues but then again the relationships between "them and us" are down to the wire anyhow.
For those that are planning on staying I wish you all the best in what used to be a wonderful place to work, not just for the Tand C's but also for some of the great people.
The projections for the growth of Mixed Fleet were in company presentations to the City. Unlike BASSA, the company has to give accurate trading information to the City.
If you want to move on that's your choice. Though, I would pause to consider for a moment how patient your employer has been in the face of extremely disgraceful behaviour by your purported union representatives.
Very few FTSE 100 CEOs would devote as much time to this dispute as WW (there is a business to run after all) and the company has been extremely tolerant of very petulant behaviour in trying to reach a negotiated settlement. It is a matter of public record that BASSA lied to its members as to the cirumstances that led to the strike call in the first place.
Throughout this dispute, all the information provided by BA has been proven to be accurate and actions have always been preceded by clearly stated intentions. If the company has said it is going to do something, it has done so. It has not (contrary to many predictions from both sides) pulled something out of the hat to expedite a settlement.
On the risk of lucrative routes going to Mixed Fleet, this would go away if you were paid an hourly rate as the Flight Crew are. Funnily enough, this was on the agenda few years ago and your union rubbished the idea.
Last edited by LD12986; 23rd Aug 2010 at 20:21.
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tofster
Can I just ask if you read any of the communications from BA or just what comes from the Union?
The only reason I ask is because it' seems as though we are working for completely different companies. You seem totally convinced that we are all going to be moved to mixed fleet at some time in the not too distant future on new T & C's?
If this is the case, why did you not sign the last offer? Those of us that have signed and accepted it have signed an agreement stating clearly we will continue to enjoy our current T & C's. Also, we have accepted a 'top up' payment to protect future earnings, a payment that as it relates to pay is now 'contractual' and will be reviewed in line with future pay increases. Therefore, it cannot be removed or withdrawn without negotiation with our elected unions/Reps. (before you mention that word Imposition, crew compliments are nothing to do with pay, leave or hours and therefore non contractual)
By not accepting this offer you have left yourself with no guarantees of keeping your current T & C's, or protecting your pay if and when the lucrative work transfers to new fleet.
If however you are waiting for a concrete guarantee form BA saying you will 'have a job for life' exactly as its is now, you may have a long wait. Neither BA or any other employer would ever make that kind of false promise.
I still maintain as in my previous post and many others seem to be of the same opinion - BA simply do not want you or me on mixed fleet. This is about creating a new culture which doesn't include old ideas and the 'what's in it for me' mentality ....... harsh but true.
If you read the communications you have had from the company, webchat's etc you will find the offer is as good as it's going to get and the closest thing you are going to get to that 'guarantee' you are seeking.
The only reason I ask is because it' seems as though we are working for completely different companies. You seem totally convinced that we are all going to be moved to mixed fleet at some time in the not too distant future on new T & C's?
If this is the case, why did you not sign the last offer? Those of us that have signed and accepted it have signed an agreement stating clearly we will continue to enjoy our current T & C's. Also, we have accepted a 'top up' payment to protect future earnings, a payment that as it relates to pay is now 'contractual' and will be reviewed in line with future pay increases. Therefore, it cannot be removed or withdrawn without negotiation with our elected unions/Reps. (before you mention that word Imposition, crew compliments are nothing to do with pay, leave or hours and therefore non contractual)
By not accepting this offer you have left yourself with no guarantees of keeping your current T & C's, or protecting your pay if and when the lucrative work transfers to new fleet.
If however you are waiting for a concrete guarantee form BA saying you will 'have a job for life' exactly as its is now, you may have a long wait. Neither BA or any other employer would ever make that kind of false promise.
I still maintain as in my previous post and many others seem to be of the same opinion - BA simply do not want you or me on mixed fleet. This is about creating a new culture which doesn't include old ideas and the 'what's in it for me' mentality ....... harsh but true.
If you read the communications you have had from the company, webchat's etc you will find the offer is as good as it's going to get and the closest thing you are going to get to that 'guarantee' you are seeking.
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As I understand it the Data Protection Act doesn't allow employers to monitor the union activity of their employees which BA must be doing in order to get the stuff that they are using. This forum on the other hand is not covered by the Act as it does not relate to union activity.
If you are right then how did BA manage to use a post by Lizanne Malone containing inaccurate information on eligibility to vote in the strike ballot as evidence in court when it obtained a High Court injunction to block the first strike? Surely if this evidence had been obtained illegally, Unite's lawyers would have tried to claim it was inadmissable in court?
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angelica20102010
More unsubstantiated scare-stories. Saying that, never underestimate the ability of BASSA to act as childishly and inappropriately as possible and leave BA with no choice BUT to impose. Move with the times.
tofster
Ah well, BASSA have seen to it that existing crew and their contracts ARE in decline and on the way to being in the minority. I guess that our flight crew will soon have some new, motivated, professional and friendly crew with whom they will have a far better relationships. Even amongst us existing crew, you strikers (not 7000 of you 
) are only around a third of all crew. With MF, your impact has been lessened yet further.
Sadly, unlike you, most of us don't run our own successful businesses outside of BA so we'll have to stay and deal with the fall-out from BASSA's foul conduct.
I am also very sure there will be more impositions coming in the very near future. Do not ask me how I know as I know.
tofster
I know this won't be accepted by our flight deck colleagues but then again the relationships between "them and us" are down to the wire anyhow.
) are only around a third of all crew. With MF, your impact has been lessened yet further. Sadly, unlike you, most of us don't run our own successful businesses outside of BA so we'll have to stay and deal with the fall-out from BASSA's foul conduct.
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Yet another fine piece of fact based reporting.
BASSA > Latest News
A chilling glimpse of your own future. Courtesy of Bill’s crystal balls.
Aug 23rd, 2010 by admin
Do you remember the good old days, when you were proud to do this job? When you wanted to encourage even your own family to become cabin crew for the best airline in the world; the world’s favourite airline?
Even now, we still have father and sons in cabin crew, as well as mothers and daughters. It wasn’t that long ago that we were proud to tell people what we did, and if friends or offspring did get the job, you knew BA would look after them, and they would have a good, reasonably paid and secure career. It was a family, with a sense and feeling of belonging.
Of course this was all before Willie, Billy, and Silly, amongst others, decided to destroy the job and at the same time, the airline.
So what should the shiny, new recruits, excited to be joining British Airways, now expect?
Obviously they will be recruited for mixed fleet but just how easy will it be to get in?
BA doesn’t appear to know themselves what they are looking for. Some temps back flying with us for a second year have applied and have been rejected. “Contaminated” by existing crew, was the word used by one recruitment manager. Last year, these temps worked to our current terms and conditions, so would probably not welcome mixed fleet where they would be lucky to work to basic scheme. They don’t want crew talking about the “good old days” to their newly brainwashed recruits.
BA is no longer looking to recruit people with airline experience. For future cabin managers, you would at least think that top quality management experience is a vital requirement.
You would be wrong. We heard today from one of our own crew, whose 18-year-old daughter applied for mixed fleet crew. BA has emailed her asking her to reapply for an interview for the CSM, rather than main crew. All based on her vast experience.
Her mum, a current cabin crew member, was horrified. Her daughter had worked as a part-time waitress in a bar for a year when she was 15, and then had a part-time job as an assistant in a High street clothes shop - this was her “experience” since leaving school.
Unbelievable, but sadly true.
At least the common theme is that in her part-time bar work and her new “mixed fleet supervisor role” she will probably earn about the same. This particular young lady felt this was all too much responsibility, so opted to join Easyjet instead.
Even if you are still unaware of what you are letting yourself in for by applying for mixed fleet, and even if you do get past the interview, your fun is only just beginning.
The training course is being designed to weed out as many as possible. The training will be done by outside customer service trainers, who are being contracted for over 18 months (making “honest” Bill’s comments about mixed fleet starting small, look a little suspect). The new recruits will amass “permanent record points” during their course. These will be strictly applied.
Gaining points sounds like a good thing if you were, for example, ABBA in the old Eurovision song contest days. If you were Norwegian for example and your act amassed a heady 6 points, you went out and had a national party.
Sadly in this case though, points don’t mean prizes. They mean you are sacked. If budding recruits accrue 6 points throughout their career, they will not only fail the course, they will be instantly dismissed, for breech of contract. Points are permanent and will be accrued for any minor things, even small uniform standard issues, with particular emphasis on the hat, which must be worn at all times except when actively undertaking SEP drills. The sin of not carrying your manuals in the “correct uniform standard bag” actually accrues a point - it’s true, so that Tesco carrier bag that your manuals probably reside in could be a clue as to your future employment prospects, if your not paying attention!
What next. Not smiling sincerely enough at a volunteer pilot? A refusal to “high five” the captain over his meal selection, Not bowing low enough in homage to the latest life size - albeit small -wall mural of Willie? Not forming a guard of honour to loudly cheer strikebreakers on and off the aircraft?
Perhaps just behaving in a humorous and lighthearted manner will also now lead to instant dismissal? Oh, that’s right, it already does - just refer to yesterday’s letter by Kevin Cook for confirmation of that.
A whole new uniform standards manual is now being written specifically for mixed fleet - we of course will be next. (Shame these new rules didn’t apply to some of Willie’s volunteers, where in a few cases, the looms are still weaving enough cloth to make a uniform that would actually fit them!)
Finally, any failure of SEP is the instant end of your BA career - you could even be sacked before you even started. According to our sources, even if you make it onto a course, there’s a pretty good chance that you won’t complete it - and do not forget that you will have already given up your old contract.
If you do proudly get through all of this, then what fate awaits you out on line?
Rumour abounds about where you would fly to, BA will decide when and where at some point. What is certain is that wherever it is, you are unlikely to be there very long, or get much time off when you get back. Just ask any of the temps currently flying. They are doing your job but are also being worked until they drop, all for £2.40 per hour. They could earn as much in a McDonalds. Job length expectancy on mixed fleet could be about two years - spend any longer than that under those terms and conditions and your life expectancy could also be shortened.
Don’t believe us? Then talk to the temps that are working alongside you right now, and if you are spending time doing SEP, have a careful look around. Notice anything different?
Is the future so bright, you’ve gotta wear shades, in Bill’s brave new world? Yes, if you’re a manager who is willing to “toe the line”, who does not have a clue about the soul or history of this airline, and you are willing to sell your soul to progress your career. If you enjoy getting your own way by bullying people, then this is most definitely the place for you. For the rest of us, things have decidedly taken a turn for the worse.
This new, Tony McCarthy inspired, management structure knows absolutely nothing and has no experience of the job you do, and quite frankly does not want to; they don’t care about you and they certainly wouldn’t know a customer if one bit them firmly on the backside and yet... they are strangely proud of all this.
A chilling glimpse of your own future. Courtesy of Bill’s crystal balls.
Aug 23rd, 2010 by admin
Do you remember the good old days, when you were proud to do this job? When you wanted to encourage even your own family to become cabin crew for the best airline in the world; the world’s favourite airline?
Even now, we still have father and sons in cabin crew, as well as mothers and daughters. It wasn’t that long ago that we were proud to tell people what we did, and if friends or offspring did get the job, you knew BA would look after them, and they would have a good, reasonably paid and secure career. It was a family, with a sense and feeling of belonging.
Of course this was all before Willie, Billy, and Silly, amongst others, decided to destroy the job and at the same time, the airline.
So what should the shiny, new recruits, excited to be joining British Airways, now expect?
Obviously they will be recruited for mixed fleet but just how easy will it be to get in?
BA doesn’t appear to know themselves what they are looking for. Some temps back flying with us for a second year have applied and have been rejected. “Contaminated” by existing crew, was the word used by one recruitment manager. Last year, these temps worked to our current terms and conditions, so would probably not welcome mixed fleet where they would be lucky to work to basic scheme. They don’t want crew talking about the “good old days” to their newly brainwashed recruits.
BA is no longer looking to recruit people with airline experience. For future cabin managers, you would at least think that top quality management experience is a vital requirement.
You would be wrong. We heard today from one of our own crew, whose 18-year-old daughter applied for mixed fleet crew. BA has emailed her asking her to reapply for an interview for the CSM, rather than main crew. All based on her vast experience.
Her mum, a current cabin crew member, was horrified. Her daughter had worked as a part-time waitress in a bar for a year when she was 15, and then had a part-time job as an assistant in a High street clothes shop - this was her “experience” since leaving school.
Unbelievable, but sadly true.
At least the common theme is that in her part-time bar work and her new “mixed fleet supervisor role” she will probably earn about the same. This particular young lady felt this was all too much responsibility, so opted to join Easyjet instead.
Even if you are still unaware of what you are letting yourself in for by applying for mixed fleet, and even if you do get past the interview, your fun is only just beginning.
The training course is being designed to weed out as many as possible. The training will be done by outside customer service trainers, who are being contracted for over 18 months (making “honest” Bill’s comments about mixed fleet starting small, look a little suspect). The new recruits will amass “permanent record points” during their course. These will be strictly applied.
Gaining points sounds like a good thing if you were, for example, ABBA in the old Eurovision song contest days. If you were Norwegian for example and your act amassed a heady 6 points, you went out and had a national party.
Sadly in this case though, points don’t mean prizes. They mean you are sacked. If budding recruits accrue 6 points throughout their career, they will not only fail the course, they will be instantly dismissed, for breech of contract. Points are permanent and will be accrued for any minor things, even small uniform standard issues, with particular emphasis on the hat, which must be worn at all times except when actively undertaking SEP drills. The sin of not carrying your manuals in the “correct uniform standard bag” actually accrues a point - it’s true, so that Tesco carrier bag that your manuals probably reside in could be a clue as to your future employment prospects, if your not paying attention!
What next. Not smiling sincerely enough at a volunteer pilot? A refusal to “high five” the captain over his meal selection, Not bowing low enough in homage to the latest life size - albeit small -wall mural of Willie? Not forming a guard of honour to loudly cheer strikebreakers on and off the aircraft?
Perhaps just behaving in a humorous and lighthearted manner will also now lead to instant dismissal? Oh, that’s right, it already does - just refer to yesterday’s letter by Kevin Cook for confirmation of that.
A whole new uniform standards manual is now being written specifically for mixed fleet - we of course will be next. (Shame these new rules didn’t apply to some of Willie’s volunteers, where in a few cases, the looms are still weaving enough cloth to make a uniform that would actually fit them!)
Finally, any failure of SEP is the instant end of your BA career - you could even be sacked before you even started. According to our sources, even if you make it onto a course, there’s a pretty good chance that you won’t complete it - and do not forget that you will have already given up your old contract.
If you do proudly get through all of this, then what fate awaits you out on line?
Rumour abounds about where you would fly to, BA will decide when and where at some point. What is certain is that wherever it is, you are unlikely to be there very long, or get much time off when you get back. Just ask any of the temps currently flying. They are doing your job but are also being worked until they drop, all for £2.40 per hour. They could earn as much in a McDonalds. Job length expectancy on mixed fleet could be about two years - spend any longer than that under those terms and conditions and your life expectancy could also be shortened.
Don’t believe us? Then talk to the temps that are working alongside you right now, and if you are spending time doing SEP, have a careful look around. Notice anything different?
Is the future so bright, you’ve gotta wear shades, in Bill’s brave new world? Yes, if you’re a manager who is willing to “toe the line”, who does not have a clue about the soul or history of this airline, and you are willing to sell your soul to progress your career. If you enjoy getting your own way by bullying people, then this is most definitely the place for you. For the rest of us, things have decidedly taken a turn for the worse.
This new, Tony McCarthy inspired, management structure knows absolutely nothing and has no experience of the job you do, and quite frankly does not want to; they don’t care about you and they certainly wouldn’t know a customer if one bit them firmly on the backside and yet... they are strangely proud of all this.
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Do you remember the good old days, when you were proud to do this job? When you wanted to encourage even your own family to become cabin crew for the best airline in the world; the world’s favourite airline?
We heard today from one of our own crew, whose 18-year-old daughter applied for mixed fleet crew. BA has emailed her asking her to reapply for an interview for the CSM, rather than main crew. All based on her vast experience.
Her mum, a current cabin crew member, was horrified. Her daughter had worked as a part-time waitress in a bar for a year when she was 15, and then had a part-time job as an assistant in a High street clothes shop - this was her “experience” since leaving school.
Unbelievable, but sadly true.
Her mum, a current cabin crew member, was horrified. Her daughter had worked as a part-time waitress in a bar for a year when she was 15, and then had a part-time job as an assistant in a High street clothes shop - this was her “experience” since leaving school.
Unbelievable, but sadly true.
They are doing your job but are also being worked until they drop
Reading through this latest fairy story, I'm struggling to see what's wrong with crew adhering to uniform standards and more importantly being up to scratch with their knowledge of, what is after all potentially life-saving, SEP.
Oh well. Gives someone something to do, coming up with this.
