British Airways vs. BASSA (current Airline Staff Only)
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If Ba can prove the next strike is illegal, all strikers will still be protected.
The company (whichever it may be) is still within its rights to pursue individual cases of breach of contract if it wishes.
'Legally protected' IA is not as watertight as the Unions would have you believe, most companies play along with it though.
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Well done if you manage to get to the end of this:
A CALL TO TOLPUDDLE
Jul 3rd, 2010 by admin
image1065
Willie Walsh has been highly critical of UNITE and in particular it’s BASSA branch. UNITE he describes as "dysfunctional and out of touch with reality". Of BASSA he said, “We cannot allow a small rogue branch of a union to continue to drag us down.”
Walsh has never shied away from placing responsibility for British Airways problems in the hands of others. Staff warnings of potential chaos at Terminal 5 were ignored and then realized with its opening. Baggage handlers arriving early discovered there was no parking space for them, no security personnel to allow them airside, no access to the baggage computer and no directions to their working locations.
In the chaos of Terminal 5’s first day of opening, staff took the flack and management remained conspicuously absent. Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB, said: “We are asking the travelling public using T5 not to take out their frustrations on the GMB members who operate the check-in desks and other frontline positions.”
Giving evidence to the House of Commons Transport Committee Walsh deflected some of the responsibility stating “We compromised on the testing of the building as a result of delays in the building programme.’ A subsequent admission is more indicative of the failures’ origins “We didn’t supply staff with sufficient training and familiarisation.” Appearing on the second day Walsh said: "Yesterday was definitely not British Airways’ finest hour. We disappointed many people and I apologise sincerely. I take responsibility for what happened. The buck stops with me.” The last statement misses the point, the buck started with Walsh. The role of people in endeavors had been undervalued.
Prior to Walsh’s arrival cabin crew were represented by two rival unions, which for a quarter of a century enjoyed a better relationship with management than they did with each other. Following Walsh’s appointment as CEO, staff surveys reported increasing concerns about bullying at work. Union meetings grew from poorly attended meetings to nearly 3,500 and both unions found themselves united in representing staff dissatisfaction.
In a recent article reporting ‘a climate of fear and loathing within Waterside’ an experienced BA manager stated; “To question the direction that Walsh is taking this company is seen as heresy.” This buck started with Walsh and it is only with Walsh that the buck can stop.
At the beginning of this dispute the media was full of indignant comments about the alleged pay of cabin crew. The sums were taken from a CAA document, which assessed BA crew’s pay as being slightly above the national median gross pay for the industry. The media claimed that the airline pay rate, which was almost half the national median gross pay, was more appropriate. Cynics would say this was aimed at undermining public support for BA’s cabin crew. There are many workers in other industries and organisations who are paid more than the average so why has the BA crew been singled out for such venom.
There are a number of possible reasons for media bias and their emphasis on Walsh’s agenda. Among them are:
First, Walsh played down the savings UNITE had offered to British Airways. “BA cabin crew offered changes to pay and working practices that would have made savings of more than £100 million for British Airways, but the company rejected these proposals and repeatedly walked away from talks while introducing provocative changes.” The dispute has cost in excess of £150 million so far.
Second they may well be rooted in the gender of most cabin crew. For most people, cabin crew means stewardess. The traditional view that women should be paid less than men, and be acquiescent, still lingers in some management circles: ‘How dare they get ideas above their station’. In British Airways as in other parts of the airline industry men hold most of the positions in all of the highest paid occupations. Women are confined to the lowest paid groups including cabin crew. We know that because it’s there in black and white on the same CAA document. The union branch has a good record in defending BA stewardesses’ pay, which is slightly above average for the industry, but we should be offended that they get paid so little by other airlines.
Additionally for many people the image of a steward is of a gay man. That could be because many gay people have the qualities necessary to be cabin crew. In the course of this dispute some pilots’ facebook pages have been filled with homophobic comments about the striking crew. British Airways took no action against any of the pilots concerned until they were revealed alongside derogatory remarks about passengers in an article in the Daily Mirror. The cabin crew, however, have been targeted through unusual disciplinary procedures, for comments on forums and facebook that most would deem as inoffensive remarks. Nearly 60 crew have been suspended and 8 sacked.
Fundamental to a modern society is support for gay dignity and pride. It is an achievement that BA’s group with the largest number of openly gay people in it is paid slightly above the average for the industry. The airline seems to think that they too should be paid less than half the national average wage. This should be resisted, and abuse from homophobes such as the example of homophobic comments on facebook from some pilots must be condemned.
The Universal declaration of Human Rights Article 23 4) states ‘Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests’. The United Kingdom signed this declaration in 1948. The ballot at the beginning of this dispute was about the use of imposition in place of negotiation.
Whether or not you are a union member you should be very concerned because BA management has ignored that right Moreover, the company have punished those who exercised their lawful right to strike. If BA gets away with such undemocratic behavior it will embolden other companies to follow suit.
The Universal declaration of Human Rights Article 19 states ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.’ In this dispute a number of individuals have been suspended and sacked for expressions of support for their strike on media such as facebook. If you believe in freedom of expression, you should very concerned because Human Rights Article 19 is not being observed by BA management and is not being protected by a government who are responsible for upholding the Universal declaration of Human Rights.
The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 section 7 (2) d states it is unlawful for an employer, in relation to a person whom he employs at an establishment in Great Britain, to discriminate against that person ... by dismissing him, or subjecting him to any other detriment. British Airways has determined that its Hong Kong based crewmembers must retire at the age of 45. On the 20th January 2010 an Employment Appeals Tribunal, supported an earlier decision of the Employment Tribunal in 2008. It ruled that the airline was wrong to claim that the women’s Hong Kong nationality excluded them from UK employment law jurisdiction. British Airways is in the process of attempting to overturn the decision. UNITE the union took the case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal on behalf of 17 Hong Kong based cabin crew. It continues to support their fight against discrimination.
If you believe that it is wrong to discriminate against people on the basis of their age or the fact that they are from Hong Kong you should be concerned.
Three times British Airways has frustrated democratic decisions in the courts. Democracy is being undermined by this company.
‘A reasonable man gets nowhere in negotiations’ boasted the CEO of British Airways. But if one takes the time to think on the implications of such a statement, this is hardly a worthy boast.
It might help to take a look at the Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of unreasonable; ‘not guided by or based on good sense, beyond the limits of acceptability or fairness.’
If you believe that sexual discrimination is wrong and that there should be no gender gap in wages, this is your fight too.
If you believe that a person’s sexuality is no basis for discrimination or abuse and oppose homophobia, this is your fight too.
If you believe that the right to form and belong to trade unions is a human right worth preserving, this is your fight too.
If you believe in freedom of opinion and expression cannot be gagged, this is your fight too.
If you believe that age discrimination is unacceptable wherever and whenever it occurs, this is your fight too.
If you believe that all peoples everywhere share the same common rights, this is your fight too.
If you believe that democracy should not be abused, this is your fight too.
If you believe in that bullying should be stopped in its tracks, this is your fight too.
You can make a difference. You can take a stand. You can show your solidarity by becoming an activist to gather all who would stand up and be counted, whoever and wherever they may be, at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival on the 16-18 July.
Jul 3rd, 2010 by admin
image1065
Willie Walsh has been highly critical of UNITE and in particular it’s BASSA branch. UNITE he describes as "dysfunctional and out of touch with reality". Of BASSA he said, “We cannot allow a small rogue branch of a union to continue to drag us down.”
Walsh has never shied away from placing responsibility for British Airways problems in the hands of others. Staff warnings of potential chaos at Terminal 5 were ignored and then realized with its opening. Baggage handlers arriving early discovered there was no parking space for them, no security personnel to allow them airside, no access to the baggage computer and no directions to their working locations.
In the chaos of Terminal 5’s first day of opening, staff took the flack and management remained conspicuously absent. Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB, said: “We are asking the travelling public using T5 not to take out their frustrations on the GMB members who operate the check-in desks and other frontline positions.”
Giving evidence to the House of Commons Transport Committee Walsh deflected some of the responsibility stating “We compromised on the testing of the building as a result of delays in the building programme.’ A subsequent admission is more indicative of the failures’ origins “We didn’t supply staff with sufficient training and familiarisation.” Appearing on the second day Walsh said: "Yesterday was definitely not British Airways’ finest hour. We disappointed many people and I apologise sincerely. I take responsibility for what happened. The buck stops with me.” The last statement misses the point, the buck started with Walsh. The role of people in endeavors had been undervalued.
Prior to Walsh’s arrival cabin crew were represented by two rival unions, which for a quarter of a century enjoyed a better relationship with management than they did with each other. Following Walsh’s appointment as CEO, staff surveys reported increasing concerns about bullying at work. Union meetings grew from poorly attended meetings to nearly 3,500 and both unions found themselves united in representing staff dissatisfaction.
In a recent article reporting ‘a climate of fear and loathing within Waterside’ an experienced BA manager stated; “To question the direction that Walsh is taking this company is seen as heresy.” This buck started with Walsh and it is only with Walsh that the buck can stop.
At the beginning of this dispute the media was full of indignant comments about the alleged pay of cabin crew. The sums were taken from a CAA document, which assessed BA crew’s pay as being slightly above the national median gross pay for the industry. The media claimed that the airline pay rate, which was almost half the national median gross pay, was more appropriate. Cynics would say this was aimed at undermining public support for BA’s cabin crew. There are many workers in other industries and organisations who are paid more than the average so why has the BA crew been singled out for such venom.
There are a number of possible reasons for media bias and their emphasis on Walsh’s agenda. Among them are:
First, Walsh played down the savings UNITE had offered to British Airways. “BA cabin crew offered changes to pay and working practices that would have made savings of more than £100 million for British Airways, but the company rejected these proposals and repeatedly walked away from talks while introducing provocative changes.” The dispute has cost in excess of £150 million so far.
Second they may well be rooted in the gender of most cabin crew. For most people, cabin crew means stewardess. The traditional view that women should be paid less than men, and be acquiescent, still lingers in some management circles: ‘How dare they get ideas above their station’. In British Airways as in other parts of the airline industry men hold most of the positions in all of the highest paid occupations. Women are confined to the lowest paid groups including cabin crew. We know that because it’s there in black and white on the same CAA document. The union branch has a good record in defending BA stewardesses’ pay, which is slightly above average for the industry, but we should be offended that they get paid so little by other airlines.
Additionally for many people the image of a steward is of a gay man. That could be because many gay people have the qualities necessary to be cabin crew. In the course of this dispute some pilots’ facebook pages have been filled with homophobic comments about the striking crew. British Airways took no action against any of the pilots concerned until they were revealed alongside derogatory remarks about passengers in an article in the Daily Mirror. The cabin crew, however, have been targeted through unusual disciplinary procedures, for comments on forums and facebook that most would deem as inoffensive remarks. Nearly 60 crew have been suspended and 8 sacked.
Fundamental to a modern society is support for gay dignity and pride. It is an achievement that BA’s group with the largest number of openly gay people in it is paid slightly above the average for the industry. The airline seems to think that they too should be paid less than half the national average wage. This should be resisted, and abuse from homophobes such as the example of homophobic comments on facebook from some pilots must be condemned.
The Universal declaration of Human Rights Article 23 4) states ‘Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests’. The United Kingdom signed this declaration in 1948. The ballot at the beginning of this dispute was about the use of imposition in place of negotiation.
Whether or not you are a union member you should be very concerned because BA management has ignored that right Moreover, the company have punished those who exercised their lawful right to strike. If BA gets away with such undemocratic behavior it will embolden other companies to follow suit.
The Universal declaration of Human Rights Article 19 states ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.’ In this dispute a number of individuals have been suspended and sacked for expressions of support for their strike on media such as facebook. If you believe in freedom of expression, you should very concerned because Human Rights Article 19 is not being observed by BA management and is not being protected by a government who are responsible for upholding the Universal declaration of Human Rights.
The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 section 7 (2) d states it is unlawful for an employer, in relation to a person whom he employs at an establishment in Great Britain, to discriminate against that person ... by dismissing him, or subjecting him to any other detriment. British Airways has determined that its Hong Kong based crewmembers must retire at the age of 45. On the 20th January 2010 an Employment Appeals Tribunal, supported an earlier decision of the Employment Tribunal in 2008. It ruled that the airline was wrong to claim that the women’s Hong Kong nationality excluded them from UK employment law jurisdiction. British Airways is in the process of attempting to overturn the decision. UNITE the union took the case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal on behalf of 17 Hong Kong based cabin crew. It continues to support their fight against discrimination.
If you believe that it is wrong to discriminate against people on the basis of their age or the fact that they are from Hong Kong you should be concerned.
Three times British Airways has frustrated democratic decisions in the courts. Democracy is being undermined by this company.
‘A reasonable man gets nowhere in negotiations’ boasted the CEO of British Airways. But if one takes the time to think on the implications of such a statement, this is hardly a worthy boast.
It might help to take a look at the Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of unreasonable; ‘not guided by or based on good sense, beyond the limits of acceptability or fairness.’
If you believe that sexual discrimination is wrong and that there should be no gender gap in wages, this is your fight too.
If you believe that a person’s sexuality is no basis for discrimination or abuse and oppose homophobia, this is your fight too.
If you believe that the right to form and belong to trade unions is a human right worth preserving, this is your fight too.
If you believe in freedom of opinion and expression cannot be gagged, this is your fight too.
If you believe that age discrimination is unacceptable wherever and whenever it occurs, this is your fight too.
If you believe that all peoples everywhere share the same common rights, this is your fight too.
If you believe that democracy should not be abused, this is your fight too.
If you believe in that bullying should be stopped in its tracks, this is your fight too.
You can make a difference. You can take a stand. You can show your solidarity by becoming an activist to gather all who would stand up and be counted, whoever and wherever they may be, at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival on the 16-18 July.
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In the meantime, the BASSA militants are still making the lives of crew who came to work a misery.
A dear friend phoned me just after midnight having recieved a horrendous email on his facebook account sent by a fictitious character, Emma Woodgate. He was distraught after reading the content of the email. Apparently hundreds of these emails targeted at crew who came to work are circulating. BA are aware of these emails and the perpetrators will be dealt with accordingly.
I can't believe how low the BASSA militants will stoop to. Come on Duncan Holley, what is your response? Do you condone this type of behaviour?
Cowards, pure cowards terrorising honest, decent crew.
A dear friend phoned me just after midnight having recieved a horrendous email on his facebook account sent by a fictitious character, Emma Woodgate. He was distraught after reading the content of the email. Apparently hundreds of these emails targeted at crew who came to work are circulating. BA are aware of these emails and the perpetrators will be dealt with accordingly.
I can't believe how low the BASSA militants will stoop to. Come on Duncan Holley, what is your response? Do you condone this type of behaviour?
Cowards, pure cowards terrorising honest, decent crew.
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What a load of cobblers. (sorry, no offence meant to any trans-sexuals who have had theirs removed by choice). The fact that BASSA are now associating themselves with the Tolpuddle Martyrs, shows just how out of date these people are , at least a couple of hunrded years!
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So, the unionistas are martyrs? I don't think so. The reason for the suspensions and sackings are not for supporting the strikes. They have been disciplined becase of inappropriate behavior. Most people on this forum know that, we just need to get others to unerstand the same.
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a horrendous email on his facebook account
Procedure is to report it to the Police, who then open a case. Asset Protection (BA) will then take it onboard too and investigate.
It seems some individuals are so blinkered that they think they can outsmart simple technology, and investigation by police. They may not be bothered about losing their job through EG102 and disciplinary. They also don't seem to care, or know they will face criminal prosecution. There are at least three laws which spring to mind they can be prosecuted under.
Tell your friend to treat the e-mail with the same care the sender has shown him. (Once it's been sent to the police).
Cheers
Six
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The whole of the above document strikes me as abject straw clutching.
How many more different approaches can the Union put into one document. As with the last eg300 dispute from BASSA they have included every single tiny little possible annoyance, clause and belief into one fragmented document in an attempt to garner as much support as possible.
BA walked away from Unite/BASSA's proposals as they didn't add up, were only for 2 years and then reverted to original pay with all losses over the 2 years paid back in full. Hardly a saving for the company!
The fiasco of T5 was caused by the BAA (note BASSA advocates the extra 'A') ensuring BA that all software switches for the baggage system test mode had been cleared. Sadly the BAA were mistaken and the baggage system was still in test mode thus filled up the fast bag drop in 15 minutes and collapsed. As the BAA had ensured the system was not in test mode this wasn't investigated for 4 days!
The BAA admitted responsibility and, AFAIK, there have been significant finacial repercussions in BA's favour.
Would this be the same anonymous BA manager that wrote to the Guardian? Seems to write in a very similar style to a cake monster from BFC.
This I find dispicable. I have never come across such rubbish in all my time in the company, where everyone I work with be they from the management to the cleaners, has treated everyone with repect and due deference irrespective of their gender, colour, creed, religion or sexuality.
It takes a specific kind of militant to use such rubbish as a weapon in a war they are not winning purely because it has no place in the current environment.
With the spectre of a double dip recession coming, the possible loss of 1.4 million civil service jobs and the lack of new employment opportunities from the private sector, BASSA had better look towards their own security before slinging such mud.
How many more different approaches can the Union put into one document. As with the last eg300 dispute from BASSA they have included every single tiny little possible annoyance, clause and belief into one fragmented document in an attempt to garner as much support as possible.
BA walked away from Unite/BASSA's proposals as they didn't add up, were only for 2 years and then reverted to original pay with all losses over the 2 years paid back in full. Hardly a saving for the company!
The fiasco of T5 was caused by the BAA (note BASSA advocates the extra 'A') ensuring BA that all software switches for the baggage system test mode had been cleared. Sadly the BAA were mistaken and the baggage system was still in test mode thus filled up the fast bag drop in 15 minutes and collapsed. As the BAA had ensured the system was not in test mode this wasn't investigated for 4 days!
The BAA admitted responsibility and, AFAIK, there have been significant finacial repercussions in BA's favour.
In a recent article reporting ‘a climate of fear and loathing within Waterside’ an experienced BA manager stated; “To question the direction that Walsh is taking this company is seen as heresy.” This buck started with Walsh and it is only with Walsh that the buck can stop.
Second they may well be rooted in the gender of most cabin crew. For most people, cabin crew means stewardess. The traditional view that women should be paid less than men, and be acquiescent, still lingers in some management circles: ‘How dare they get ideas above their station’. In British Airways as in other parts of the airline industry men hold most of the positions in all of the highest paid occupations. Women are confined to the lowest paid groups including cabin crew. We know that because it’s there in black and white on the same CAA document. The union branch has a good record in defending BA stewardesses’ pay, which is slightly above average for the industry, but we should be offended that they get paid so little by other airlines.
Additionally for many people the image of a steward is of a gay man. That could be because many gay people have the qualities necessary to be cabin crew. In the course of this dispute some pilots’ facebook pages have been filled with homophobic comments about the striking crew. British Airways took no action against any of the pilots concerned until they were revealed alongside derogatory remarks about passengers in an article in the Daily Mirror. The cabin crew, however, have been targeted through unusual disciplinary procedures, for comments on forums and facebook that most would deem as inoffensive remarks. Nearly 60 crew have been suspended and 8 sacked.
Additionally for many people the image of a steward is of a gay man. That could be because many gay people have the qualities necessary to be cabin crew. In the course of this dispute some pilots’ facebook pages have been filled with homophobic comments about the striking crew. British Airways took no action against any of the pilots concerned until they were revealed alongside derogatory remarks about passengers in an article in the Daily Mirror. The cabin crew, however, have been targeted through unusual disciplinary procedures, for comments on forums and facebook that most would deem as inoffensive remarks. Nearly 60 crew have been suspended and 8 sacked.
It takes a specific kind of militant to use such rubbish as a weapon in a war they are not winning purely because it has no place in the current environment.
With the spectre of a double dip recession coming, the possible loss of 1.4 million civil service jobs and the lack of new employment opportunities from the private sector, BASSA had better look towards their own security before slinging such mud.
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How come BASSA people never sign their name to anything ( with the exception of Duncan's blog)
I noticed this before the strikes, we got lots of leaflets from BASSA compairing our plight to that of the Jews and compairing Walsh to Hitler but you could never tell who the author was.
I noticed this before the strikes, we got lots of leaflets from BASSA compairing our plight to that of the Jews and compairing Walsh to Hitler but you could never tell who the author was.
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Trying not to take sides here Betty, and sitting on my usual fence.
I would suggest that any document written by a BASSA member which comes into the public domain, ie here, would be a breach of BA's rules and leave the individual open to dismissal. BA's rules on censorship are another attack on liberty, this time freedom of speech. I would suggest that crew not being able to speak publically about the way they see their plight has been disadventagous to the cause. Those who ventured to say anything were suspended.
I would suggest that any document written by a BASSA member which comes into the public domain, ie here, would be a breach of BA's rules and leave the individual open to dismissal. BA's rules on censorship are another attack on liberty, this time freedom of speech. I would suggest that crew not being able to speak publically about the way they see their plight has been disadventagous to the cause. Those who ventured to say anything were suspended.
Last edited by PC767; 3rd Jul 2010 at 13:14.
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Col White.
May I refer you to the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. In particular S.237(2)(b).
In relation to being dismissed for nolonger being a member of a union, ie those leaving BASSA.
'2) A strike or other industrial action is unofficial in relation to an employee unless—
(a) he is a member of a trade union and the action is authorised or endorsed by that union, or
(b) he is not a member of a trade union but there are among those taking part in the industrial action members of a trade union by which the action has been authorised or endorsed.'
All is not black and white (no pun intended).
May I refer you to the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. In particular S.237(2)(b).
In relation to being dismissed for nolonger being a member of a union, ie those leaving BASSA.
'2) A strike or other industrial action is unofficial in relation to an employee unless—
(a) he is a member of a trade union and the action is authorised or endorsed by that union, or
(b) he is not a member of a trade union but there are among those taking part in the industrial action members of a trade union by which the action has been authorised or endorsed.'
All is not black and white (no pun intended).
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British Airways took no action against any of the pilots concerned until they were revealed alongside derogatory remarks about passengers in an article in the Daily Mirror.
I assume from the fact that UNITE's favourite newspaper, the Mirror, were the ones that reported this story that they got the tip off from BASSA.
Had the person concerned reported it to BA instead of a tabloid newspaper, then BA might have taken action quicker.
More nonsensical accusations from Duncan's Donuts.
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PC767,
I don't see much evidence of fence sitting on your part.
Furthermore, those suspended may have broken BA's Social media guidelines.
I don't see much evidence of fence sitting on your part.
Furthermore, those suspended may have broken BA's Social media guidelines.
Who are these guidelines for?
The world and how we communicate has changed in the last few years. A lot of us have profiles on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. We like to share our stories with our friends, followers and fans and we like to listen and comment on what they have to say. More importantly, people trust what we say online. We’ve put the following guidelines together to help you navigate your way through this new world as an employee of British Airways or its subsidiaries. They are in place to protect both you and British Airways and are applicable to you if you have identified yourself as an employee of British Airways in your profile or on a social media site. They are designed to ensure compliance with the law and British Airways’ rules regarding conduct and that British Airways’ reputation is not brought into disrepute, either intentionally or otherwise. Breach of these guidelines may lead to disciplinary action, where appropriate.
What is social media?
Also known as social networking, it’s content (such as text, photos, videos) created by you and shared with other people online either internally or externally. Examples of social media sites include, but are not limited to blogs, forums, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, wikis and chatrooms.
Your responsibility: You are responsible for the content that you publish on social media sites, including sites created, administered or moderated by you.
Respect your audience and your colleagues: It’s all right to disagree and debate, but you should do so in a professional way. Treat people with respect and consideration, regardless of their role or position. You should never harass, intimidate or threaten anyone. If someone hasn’t given you express permission for their name to be used, think carefully about the content you’re going to publish on any social media site and get the appropriate permission where necessary. More information: EG101 and EG102
Being transparent: If you identify yourself as working for British Airways on external sites and discuss British Airways or British Airways-related matters, you must make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of British Airways. You must use a disclaimer such as: “The postings on this site are my own and don’t necessarily represent British Airways’ positions, strategies or opinions.” If you are contributing on internal British Airways sites, you should include your signature and it should be brief and factual.
Creating a profile: If you create a profile on any site, your photograph must be appropriate for professional use. IDs should not be visible. Do not publish a photo of yourself in uniform if you do not wish to identify yourself as an employee of British Airways.
Being asked your opinion: Only those officially designated by British Airways have the authorisation to speak on behalf of the company. You should merely say "no comment" to rumours. Do not deny or affirm them - or suggest either denial or affirmation in subtle ways. If you are approached for a response by someone who does not work for British Airways, its partners or subsidiaries, you must obtain approval from your Head of Department, or in the case of British Airways flight crew, your Chief Pilot, before responding. More information: EG810
Expressing yourself: Don’t be afraid to be yourself, but do so respectfully. Use appropriate language – insults and swearing are not acceptable, even in abbreviated or masked forms. Make sure that what you publish is also factually correct, legal, isn’t defamatory, abusive or invades a person’s privacy. If you make an error, be up front about your mistake and correct it quickly. Social media must not be used to communicate personal grievances or incite industrial action against British Airways. If you’re contributing to internal British Airways sites, you should try to keep comments and replies related to the original subject. Discussions should generally be about British Airways and our working lives.
Respect the law: You need to be aware of and respect copyright, fair use, intellectual property rights, competition and financial disclosure laws. Further reading: BA Standing Instructions No.18
Respect confidential information: You must make sure you do not disclose or use British Airways confidential or proprietary information or that of any other person or company in any social media site. This also includes publishing or reporting conversations that are meant to be private or internal to British Airways such as business performance, business plans, disciplinary proceedings and alliances. Don’t cite or reference customers, partners, colleagues or suppliers without their approval. If you do cite them, you must link back to the source where possible. Never identify a customer, partner, colleague or supplier by name without permission. Further information: EG802 and EG811
Respect internal information: You must make sure you do not disclose or use British Airways internal information on any social media site. This also includes publishing or reporting conversations or content that is meant to be private or internal to British Airways such as videos, images, publications or comments on internal forums. Further information: EG802 and EG811
Misrepresentations: When you see misrepresentations made about British Airways, your department or your colleagues by media, analysts or by other people, you may certainly point out the discrepancies. Always do so with respect, stick to the facts and identify your appropriate affiliation to British Airways. If you speak about a competitor, you must make sure that what you say is factually correct and that it does not disparage the competitor. Avoid unnecessary or unproductive arguments.
Don't forget your responsibilities: You should make sure that your online activities do not interfere with your job, performance or commitments to customers. Your use of company IT equipment is governed by EG801
One last thought, if you’re about to publish something that makes you even the slightest bit uncomfortable, review the suggestions and if you’re still unsure, and it’s related to British Airways business, feel free to discuss it with your manager. Please remember that breach of these guidelines may lead to disciplinary action.
Reporting breaches or misuse
If you feel that a post, comment, blog, image, video etc. breaches the above guidelines and/or you have concerns about what has been posted you can report this either to your line manager or Safecall on 0800 9151571 in the uk or visit the Safecall intranet site
More information
BA Standing Instructions No.18 – Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
EG101 Diversity and Inclusion
EG102 Harassment and Bullying
EG801 Security And Use Of Company Information And IT Equipment
EG802 Confidentiality
EG810 Published Articles, Lectures And Interviews By Employees
EG811 British Airways’ Name, Logo (S) And Corporate Identity
Internal social media – conditions of use
The world and how we communicate has changed in the last few years. A lot of us have profiles on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. We like to share our stories with our friends, followers and fans and we like to listen and comment on what they have to say. More importantly, people trust what we say online. We’ve put the following guidelines together to help you navigate your way through this new world as an employee of British Airways or its subsidiaries. They are in place to protect both you and British Airways and are applicable to you if you have identified yourself as an employee of British Airways in your profile or on a social media site. They are designed to ensure compliance with the law and British Airways’ rules regarding conduct and that British Airways’ reputation is not brought into disrepute, either intentionally or otherwise. Breach of these guidelines may lead to disciplinary action, where appropriate.
What is social media?
Also known as social networking, it’s content (such as text, photos, videos) created by you and shared with other people online either internally or externally. Examples of social media sites include, but are not limited to blogs, forums, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, wikis and chatrooms.
Your responsibility: You are responsible for the content that you publish on social media sites, including sites created, administered or moderated by you.
Respect your audience and your colleagues: It’s all right to disagree and debate, but you should do so in a professional way. Treat people with respect and consideration, regardless of their role or position. You should never harass, intimidate or threaten anyone. If someone hasn’t given you express permission for their name to be used, think carefully about the content you’re going to publish on any social media site and get the appropriate permission where necessary. More information: EG101 and EG102
Being transparent: If you identify yourself as working for British Airways on external sites and discuss British Airways or British Airways-related matters, you must make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of British Airways. You must use a disclaimer such as: “The postings on this site are my own and don’t necessarily represent British Airways’ positions, strategies or opinions.” If you are contributing on internal British Airways sites, you should include your signature and it should be brief and factual.
Creating a profile: If you create a profile on any site, your photograph must be appropriate for professional use. IDs should not be visible. Do not publish a photo of yourself in uniform if you do not wish to identify yourself as an employee of British Airways.
Being asked your opinion: Only those officially designated by British Airways have the authorisation to speak on behalf of the company. You should merely say "no comment" to rumours. Do not deny or affirm them - or suggest either denial or affirmation in subtle ways. If you are approached for a response by someone who does not work for British Airways, its partners or subsidiaries, you must obtain approval from your Head of Department, or in the case of British Airways flight crew, your Chief Pilot, before responding. More information: EG810
Expressing yourself: Don’t be afraid to be yourself, but do so respectfully. Use appropriate language – insults and swearing are not acceptable, even in abbreviated or masked forms. Make sure that what you publish is also factually correct, legal, isn’t defamatory, abusive or invades a person’s privacy. If you make an error, be up front about your mistake and correct it quickly. Social media must not be used to communicate personal grievances or incite industrial action against British Airways. If you’re contributing to internal British Airways sites, you should try to keep comments and replies related to the original subject. Discussions should generally be about British Airways and our working lives.
Respect the law: You need to be aware of and respect copyright, fair use, intellectual property rights, competition and financial disclosure laws. Further reading: BA Standing Instructions No.18
Respect confidential information: You must make sure you do not disclose or use British Airways confidential or proprietary information or that of any other person or company in any social media site. This also includes publishing or reporting conversations that are meant to be private or internal to British Airways such as business performance, business plans, disciplinary proceedings and alliances. Don’t cite or reference customers, partners, colleagues or suppliers without their approval. If you do cite them, you must link back to the source where possible. Never identify a customer, partner, colleague or supplier by name without permission. Further information: EG802 and EG811
Respect internal information: You must make sure you do not disclose or use British Airways internal information on any social media site. This also includes publishing or reporting conversations or content that is meant to be private or internal to British Airways such as videos, images, publications or comments on internal forums. Further information: EG802 and EG811
Misrepresentations: When you see misrepresentations made about British Airways, your department or your colleagues by media, analysts or by other people, you may certainly point out the discrepancies. Always do so with respect, stick to the facts and identify your appropriate affiliation to British Airways. If you speak about a competitor, you must make sure that what you say is factually correct and that it does not disparage the competitor. Avoid unnecessary or unproductive arguments.
Don't forget your responsibilities: You should make sure that your online activities do not interfere with your job, performance or commitments to customers. Your use of company IT equipment is governed by EG801
One last thought, if you’re about to publish something that makes you even the slightest bit uncomfortable, review the suggestions and if you’re still unsure, and it’s related to British Airways business, feel free to discuss it with your manager. Please remember that breach of these guidelines may lead to disciplinary action.
Reporting breaches or misuse
If you feel that a post, comment, blog, image, video etc. breaches the above guidelines and/or you have concerns about what has been posted you can report this either to your line manager or Safecall on 0800 9151571 in the uk or visit the Safecall intranet site
More information
BA Standing Instructions No.18 – Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
EG101 Diversity and Inclusion
EG102 Harassment and Bullying
EG801 Security And Use Of Company Information And IT Equipment
EG802 Confidentiality
EG810 Published Articles, Lectures And Interviews By Employees
EG811 British Airways’ Name, Logo (S) And Corporate Identity
Internal social media – conditions of use
Join Date: Apr 2004
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It is funny how much quasi legal rubbish BASSA uses to make themselves into martyrs - yet no court cases. If they are so sure that they have been wronged, why have they not gone to court to ensure their rights have not been infringed? I leave you to draw your own conclusions.
Join Date: Nov 2009
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I would suggest that crew not being able to speak publically about the way they see their plight has been disadventagous to the cause. Those who ventured to say anything were suspended.
Have all the crew who spoke to the media during the last 5 months and brought BA into disrepute been suspended yet? Have the strikers who brought their young and impressionable children to BFC during the strikes and disgracefully encouraged them to stamp on photos of Willie Walsh been suspended? All these crew can be easily identified yet BA has done nothing to them.
And as for sitting on the fence, I agree with Caribbean Boy. I don't see much of that either, your posts are distinctly pro-BASSA. I'm curious as to how a BASSA member who crossed the picket line and is so anti-BA comes here and fiercely defends BASSA. Interesting.
Who on earth wrote this ?
'Democracy is being undermined by this company.' Unbelievable but will some believe that this narrow dispute has any real significance. Given the ills of the world, this is self absorption gone mad.
Join Date: Jun 2009
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Oh come on PC 767, you really didn't expect to post that and get away with it did you?
So, you are saying that BASSA reps who collect @£150000 per month in subs from their members, and who earn £120 per day each for union duties should be able to send anonymous communications. Yet you have slated the Professional Cabin Crew Council, who are all cabin crew doing everything in their own time, without pay and who do not collect subs, for remaining anonymous.
I personally don't think it matters who wrote the BASSA Coms. But it does rather prove our point: most cabin crew wouldn't be able to name the Reps. It is not relevant WHO said it, it is what they are saying that counts. And that is exactly what the PCCC is advocating. We are simply current cabin crew who believe that BASSA is ruining our community, our company and our livelihoods. Due to freedom of speech we ARE, contrary to BASSA pulling down all our flyers and trying to stifle us, allowed to voice our discontent with this outdated, bullying Union.
Isn't it about time we stopped the double standards and the one rule for BASSA and one for everyone else?
So, you are saying that BASSA reps who collect @£150000 per month in subs from their members, and who earn £120 per day each for union duties should be able to send anonymous communications. Yet you have slated the Professional Cabin Crew Council, who are all cabin crew doing everything in their own time, without pay and who do not collect subs, for remaining anonymous.
I personally don't think it matters who wrote the BASSA Coms. But it does rather prove our point: most cabin crew wouldn't be able to name the Reps. It is not relevant WHO said it, it is what they are saying that counts. And that is exactly what the PCCC is advocating. We are simply current cabin crew who believe that BASSA is ruining our community, our company and our livelihoods. Due to freedom of speech we ARE, contrary to BASSA pulling down all our flyers and trying to stifle us, allowed to voice our discontent with this outdated, bullying Union.
Isn't it about time we stopped the double standards and the one rule for BASSA and one for everyone else?
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Is Waterside the new BASSA headquarters as there seem to have been a lot of Reps there during the day over the past few weeks? Just wondered if anyone knows...
Join Date: Jan 2010
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I did wonder that but they seem to be there sitting around in the coffee areas answering calls.. Fitting in quite well, being able to sit there and drink coffee most of the day, they virtually blend in 
Join Date: Feb 2010
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Fitting in quite well, being able to sit there and drink coffee most of the day, they virtually blend in
