British Airways vs. BASSA (current Airline Staff Only)
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I voted against strike action because I did not believe it would achieve anything, in the present climate it wasn't appropriate, it would lack public support and it would play directly into Walsh's hands. For those of us directly involved, Walsh & Francis appeared to do everything they could to antagonise crew and force a strike. BASSA, stupidly, played their game.
I went into work. Unfortunately I found the atmosphere stiffled. It wasn't a happy occasion, some passengers were grateful, some didn't have a clue a strike was taking place until they questioned the poor product and lack of standards. And two of the trips I operated had barely a handful of passengers either way. I sat in the Bahamas and watched two empty aircraft arrive and leave with no passengers or cabin crew. The rotating flight deck crew were just as baffled.
I went into work. Unfortunately I found the atmosphere stiffled. It wasn't a happy occasion, some passengers were grateful, some didn't have a clue a strike was taking place until they questioned the poor product and lack of standards. And two of the trips I operated had barely a handful of passengers either way. I sat in the Bahamas and watched two empty aircraft arrive and leave with no passengers or cabin crew. The rotating flight deck crew were just as baffled.
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PC767
you can see the target for the url if you put your mouse poiner on it - alternatively click on it or look at the end of the it - think you'll find it is Bloomberg Business Week. Interesting in that it is not a UK based organisation, has no axe to grind either way and is pretty respected in the business world for good reporting standards.
you can see the target for the url if you put your mouse poiner on it - alternatively click on it or look at the end of the it - think you'll find it is Bloomberg Business Week. Interesting in that it is not a UK based organisation, has no axe to grind either way and is pretty respected in the business world for good reporting standards.
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Hi Ava
In all honesty, I genuinely feel sympathy for your position.
You are now faced with an offer that I believe you would (perhaps reluctantly) accept. Yet you can't, because it does not include reinstatement of your Staff Travel.
I have no idea how many CC either did not strike, or did strike, but simply aren't so dependent on ST.
If this offer is as acceptable to the majority as it is to you, why would they jeopardise their ST to protect yours?
Of course, you could always take the view that actually it is only your seniority that will be compromised. You will still be able to get your ID90s won't you?
It is possible the writing is on the wall, and perhaps your best solution is simply to vote to accept??? What's the alternative?
What do you think?
Honestly not trying to be flippant. Just wondering out loud?
In all honesty, I genuinely feel sympathy for your position.
You are now faced with an offer that I believe you would (perhaps reluctantly) accept. Yet you can't, because it does not include reinstatement of your Staff Travel.
I have no idea how many CC either did not strike, or did strike, but simply aren't so dependent on ST.
If this offer is as acceptable to the majority as it is to you, why would they jeopardise their ST to protect yours?
Of course, you could always take the view that actually it is only your seniority that will be compromised. You will still be able to get your ID90s won't you?
It is possible the writing is on the wall, and perhaps your best solution is simply to vote to accept??? What's the alternative?
What do you think?
Honestly not trying to be flippant. Just wondering out loud?
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Here's the latest "thinking" from BASSA. Basically, the answer is NO, what is the question, yet again.
Yesterdays Guardian, Duncan, had all the trademarks of your grammar and writing style. Yet again. Like the "40-something Stewardess" who wrote previously.
Regardless, BASSA are now in a corner, and they know it. Yes, the offer will be rejected, but so what? What then? You've been told already your ballot will be challenged (in not so many words) in a letter you chose not to highlight to your members, and the chances are you will not be able to strike based on the mandate you have called. Why not register under your own name and come on here and answer the questions you do not face on your own biased website? They constantly slag of PPRunE over there, however this is the only website where the truth will out, and BASSA cannot control the output. Come on Duncan, I know you read this site, lets hear you tell us why you are in the right and every single other department in BA is in the wrong.
I dare you.
Satan.
PS Backing BA, and proud of it if it removes the cancer that is BASSA from our midst.
PPS The aircraft I operated on strike days were rammed. And everyone was happy to be flying, and the crews were the best I've seen in 20 or so years in BA. I'd rather fly with them any day than the XXXX brigade with their chips on both shoulders. You have so fundamentally failed your membership as to be accountable, and we are just waiting for the first ray of light to dawn and someone to take you all the way, mon brave! Bon chance!
Duncan Holley BASSA BRANCH SECRETARY
Post subject: Re: Meeting CancelledPosted: 29 Jun 2010 20:56
I accept this is incredibly frustrating for everyone.
We have to consult again (even though we can all guess your response). Not to consult would come back to haunt us. Don't worry about BA ongoing recruitment - they know a/c will take off but with no one on them for the duration of this dispute. They also know the standard of the crew they are recruiting will not sustain things long term.
BA are playing silly beggars as usual but I sense all is not well in Waterside. Just as everyone on here is fed up let me assure you so it is the same with BA.
Managers are starting to speak openly and challenge WW's tactics. (Check out yesterday's Guardian). They know this is lunacy but we need to see it through.
BA do not want this going on into the autumn. Let's hold our nerve. Sometimes things happen that BASSA can't help - but we absorb them, cope with them and then adapt our strategy. Lizanne, Blair, Nigel, Chris, Marcel etc etc etc haven't gone anywhere, we are still here working out the best way forward.
It would have been good to have had Kempton next week but with us unable to field who we wanted to give you all the info there really is no point in making do.
BA still can't resist the macho management style.
Sorry this message is a bit bullet point ish, just thought it important to post something before bedtime.
Rgds Duncan
Post subject: Re: Meeting CancelledPosted: 29 Jun 2010 20:56
I accept this is incredibly frustrating for everyone.
We have to consult again (even though we can all guess your response). Not to consult would come back to haunt us. Don't worry about BA ongoing recruitment - they know a/c will take off but with no one on them for the duration of this dispute. They also know the standard of the crew they are recruiting will not sustain things long term.
BA are playing silly beggars as usual but I sense all is not well in Waterside. Just as everyone on here is fed up let me assure you so it is the same with BA.
Managers are starting to speak openly and challenge WW's tactics. (Check out yesterday's Guardian). They know this is lunacy but we need to see it through.
BA do not want this going on into the autumn. Let's hold our nerve. Sometimes things happen that BASSA can't help - but we absorb them, cope with them and then adapt our strategy. Lizanne, Blair, Nigel, Chris, Marcel etc etc etc haven't gone anywhere, we are still here working out the best way forward.
It would have been good to have had Kempton next week but with us unable to field who we wanted to give you all the info there really is no point in making do.
BA still can't resist the macho management style.
Sorry this message is a bit bullet point ish, just thought it important to post something before bedtime.
Rgds Duncan
Regardless, BASSA are now in a corner, and they know it. Yes, the offer will be rejected, but so what? What then? You've been told already your ballot will be challenged (in not so many words) in a letter you chose not to highlight to your members, and the chances are you will not be able to strike based on the mandate you have called. Why not register under your own name and come on here and answer the questions you do not face on your own biased website? They constantly slag of PPRunE over there, however this is the only website where the truth will out, and BASSA cannot control the output. Come on Duncan, I know you read this site, lets hear you tell us why you are in the right and every single other department in BA is in the wrong.
I dare you.
Satan.
PS Backing BA, and proud of it if it removes the cancer that is BASSA from our midst.
PPS The aircraft I operated on strike days were rammed. And everyone was happy to be flying, and the crews were the best I've seen in 20 or so years in BA. I'd rather fly with them any day than the XXXX brigade with their chips on both shoulders. You have so fundamentally failed your membership as to be accountable, and we are just waiting for the first ray of light to dawn and someone to take you all the way, mon brave! Bon chance!
Last edited by Satan; 30th Jun 2010 at 23:22.
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PC767 said:
I don't see how that contradicts what I said. BA is not my airline and I don't own shares in them, but the people that do, you included, have had access to all of the information you need to decide on the real reason for this dispute. At least year's AGM they supported the board's actions.
However, I think we'll get a more complete picture a week on Tuesday, where I hope you will go and raise the issues you pose here, as is your right.
If Walsh is doing that bad a job, I'm guessing it will come out at the AGM (blathering underpant-wearing BASSA gatecrashers excepted of course).
For reference, here are the figures from last year's AGM:
The other, more prominent, owners of BA may have set a goal, may have suggested their vision of the future, the what factor, but Walsh is in charge of the how and when.
However, I think we'll get a more complete picture a week on Tuesday, where I hope you will go and raise the issues you pose here, as is your right.
If Walsh is doing that bad a job, I'm guessing it will come out at the AGM (blathering underpant-wearing BASSA gatecrashers excepted of course).
For reference, here are the figures from last year's AGM:
13:35: After 27 questions, voting has begun. Remuneration report gets 99.4pc vote in favour. Broughton re-elected with 99.47pc but finance director Keith Williams does better still - 99.78. Doesn't look like much dissent over the management then.
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PC767
Exactly, what is it all about - some overpaid overindulged long time cabin crew grimly hanging on to what they dont deserve on one side - sprinkled with a decent credible workforce who want the best for BA who take pride in what they do and you have an impossible situation.
Bassa have been unreasonable but they could see the bottom line - and they were right. A new business plan that leaves them out in the cold. WW is equally to blame - he had a business plan in place I would think for a very long time, a future goal to start a shiny bright new airline called New Fleet - welcome to WW's world...
Silly silly Bassa!!
Bassa have been unreasonable but they could see the bottom line - and they were right. A new business plan that leaves them out in the cold. WW is equally to blame - he had a business plan in place I would think for a very long time, a future goal to start a shiny bright new airline called New Fleet - welcome to WW's world...
Silly silly Bassa!!
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So where are we now. BASSA would recommend the deal if Staff Travel was reinstated with seniority and Ava has said the deal would be acceptable if Staff Travel was reinstated with seniority.
The deal that was on the table a year ago was ten times better than this one and excluded new fleet, and you still had staff travel.
So this beggers the question, why the he'll didn't you take it a year ago? What was the point exactly?
You took a gamble and lost. If I go into a bookies and put £50 on a useless donkey and it comes in last, I can't go in and ask for my money back.
You took a gamble, you lost, tough luck, live with the consequences.
The deal that was on the table a year ago was ten times better than this one and excluded new fleet, and you still had staff travel.
So this beggers the question, why the he'll didn't you take it a year ago? What was the point exactly?
You took a gamble and lost. If I go into a bookies and put £50 on a useless donkey and it comes in last, I can't go in and ask for my money back.
You took a gamble, you lost, tough luck, live with the consequences.
Last edited by swalesboy; 1st Jul 2010 at 15:26. Reason: Added a few bits.
So this betters the question, why the he'll didn't you take it a year ago?
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If this offer is as acceptable to the majority as it is to you, why would they jeopardise their ST to protect yours?
Of course, you could always take the view that actually it is only your seniority that will be compromised. You will still be able to get your ID90s won't you?
It is possible the writing is on the wall, and perhaps your best solution is simply to vote to accept??? What's the alternative?
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Exactly, what is it all about - some overpaid overindulged long time cabin crew grimly hanging on to what they dont deserve on one side - sprinkled with a decent credible workforce who want the best for BA who take pride in what they do and you have an impossible situation.
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Ava, there is no problem in 'earning good money' however if a company, any company are losing millions every day then something has to give. CC have only exasperated the problem and made it worse. There are no winners here and soon you may not have to worry about commuting from Joburg - you won't have a job!!
What I really don't understand is - if ST is so important to you, as in being able to get to work important - why on earth did you take the risk of it being taken away.
I'm sorry but if you feel so strongly about striking then you have to take the consequences - you knew this would happen before you went on strike, you know ST is not contractual - you really cannot throw your toys out of the pram now - you made your choice and if Bassa have informed you incorrectly then maybe you should be taking this up with them? Sue Bassa for your loss of ST if they have misinformed you.
What I really don't understand is - if ST is so important to you, as in being able to get to work important - why on earth did you take the risk of it being taken away.
I'm sorry but if you feel so strongly about striking then you have to take the consequences - you knew this would happen before you went on strike, you know ST is not contractual - you really cannot throw your toys out of the pram now - you made your choice and if Bassa have informed you incorrectly then maybe you should be taking this up with them? Sue Bassa for your loss of ST if they have misinformed you.
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Ava, there is no problem in 'earning good money' however if a company, any company are losing millions every day then something has to give. CC have only exasperated the problem and made it worse. There are no winners here and soon you may not have to worry about commuting from Joburg - you won't have a job!!
What I really don't understand is - if ST is so important to you, as in being able to get to work important - why on earth did you take the risk of it being taken away.
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Seniority which I have worked long for to achieve. An ID90 ticket with no seniority on JNB will not work.
One suggestion that I have (assuming BAs goodwill gesture of Staff Travel restoration with sanctions is accepted) is that you could pay the premium standby which would ensure your are at the top of the ID90's sby list. I would advise against jumpseat requests....12 hours in that and I dont think anyone would be able to safely operate a flight without proper rest.
Unless Staff Travel is reinstated without any sanctions, I can't vote to accept this proposal.
Have you looked at South African Airways or COMAIR who I imagine would have JNB or CPT bases. This would probably be your best option at this stage.
Ava
It is not our fault that the company is losing money
Because neither BA or BASSA were getting anywhere. Everything had come to a halt.
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ref post 656
Ava,
So what is you job and what is your hobby, CC for BA or your farm in JNB.
Do you know how inflammatory you comments are, and you expect sympathy !!
Backing BA (even though I only have a job, no farm)
So what is you job and what is your hobby, CC for BA or your farm in JNB.
Do you know how inflammatory you comments are, and you expect sympathy !!
Backing BA (even though I only have a job, no farm)