BA CC industrial relations (current airline staff only)
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MissM
What I meant was that I would be willing to go on strike for as long as it takes even if it meant that BA would go under.
Vile!! Considering the VAST majority of staff have given so much, you've given NOTHING, that's very offensive MissM!
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Tiramisu
The 'gang' culture as described by Ottergirl is also spot on. This is typical on on shorthaul particularly where you see crew on standby who sit in groups at the Baggage Drop entrance in CRC.
The 'gangs' sit there flicking their Yellow Pens to make a statement as to which side of the fence they are, and as a non striker enters CRC, the intimidation starts. It's a Chinese whispers effect with the staring and dirty looks which is very uncomfortable if you are starting a trip.
The 'gangs' sit there flicking their Yellow Pens to make a statement as to which side of the fence they are, and as a non striker enters CRC, the intimidation starts. It's a Chinese whispers effect with the staring and dirty looks which is very uncomfortable if you are starting a trip.
To paint a picture of BASSA supporters sitting in a gang in CRC around the baggage drop and 'flicking' yellow pens is preposterous in the extreme, and as for intimidation in CRC - it is non-existent - you really do need to stop purporting these gross untruths, it does you nor your 'political' ambitions within the PCCC no good, after all you are resorting to tactics that you have accused BAASA of i.e. distorting the truth
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Litebulbs
Couple of comments on this.
a) In all this dispute it has been abundantly apparent that the negotiations have been cockeyed. BA negotiate with Unite. Unite has two branches, CC89 and BASSA. The Unite negotiating team then relay the results of their talks with BA management to the respective branches. My understanding is (and please, someone correct me if I am wrong) that the branches then determine whether to accept or reject the deal struck. BA are not permitted to negotiate directly with the branches as this would be undermining Unite's position. I thought that at the ACAS talks last September this was mooted as a solution but discarded for precisely that reason.
b) Since BASSA are not involved in direct negotiations, there is no compelling reason to deroster any of its executive for negotiations.
c) Even if there were the vaguest suggestion that it would be prudent to deroster the BASSA chairperson so that she could discuss what had been put forward with the JGS of Unite, there was no clear date when the discussion with BA woudl be concluded. All that BA could have done would have been to deroster her for the duration of the negotiations. Now this may have ot been possible due to the nature of the roster pattern she was working. It might be that in doing so she would have been removed from two full tours. Clearly, BA should not be required to pay her any of the downroute allowances, box payments or other expenses as she hadn't worked them. To deroster someone for potentially two or three weeks, particularly the chairperson of BASSA, in this way could be seen as inflammatory. Said chairperson could claim, with some justification, that BA was in effect reducing her income.
So a no-win position. It is also noteworthy that according to BASSA's own statements, the negotiations ended late on Friday night and the JGS then 'held a late night briefing session that finished during the early hours of this morning, for the small number of reps that were released by BA to attend.' Given that it was late on a Friday night, I did wonder if there weren't other reasons for non-attendance other than being on duty.
I agree, it was stupid not to de-roster the chair of BASSA for the meeting.
a) In all this dispute it has been abundantly apparent that the negotiations have been cockeyed. BA negotiate with Unite. Unite has two branches, CC89 and BASSA. The Unite negotiating team then relay the results of their talks with BA management to the respective branches. My understanding is (and please, someone correct me if I am wrong) that the branches then determine whether to accept or reject the deal struck. BA are not permitted to negotiate directly with the branches as this would be undermining Unite's position. I thought that at the ACAS talks last September this was mooted as a solution but discarded for precisely that reason.
b) Since BASSA are not involved in direct negotiations, there is no compelling reason to deroster any of its executive for negotiations.
c) Even if there were the vaguest suggestion that it would be prudent to deroster the BASSA chairperson so that she could discuss what had been put forward with the JGS of Unite, there was no clear date when the discussion with BA woudl be concluded. All that BA could have done would have been to deroster her for the duration of the negotiations. Now this may have ot been possible due to the nature of the roster pattern she was working. It might be that in doing so she would have been removed from two full tours. Clearly, BA should not be required to pay her any of the downroute allowances, box payments or other expenses as she hadn't worked them. To deroster someone for potentially two or three weeks, particularly the chairperson of BASSA, in this way could be seen as inflammatory. Said chairperson could claim, with some justification, that BA was in effect reducing her income.
So a no-win position. It is also noteworthy that according to BASSA's own statements, the negotiations ended late on Friday night and the JGS then 'held a late night briefing session that finished during the early hours of this morning, for the small number of reps that were released by BA to attend.' Given that it was late on a Friday night, I did wonder if there weren't other reasons for non-attendance other than being on duty.
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upperdeckpsr,
If I may add, you are typical of BASSA who are in denial of things that actually happen on a day to day basis. I am living proof of someone who has suffered intimidation during this dispute. There isn't a single day at work, where I don't come across it in some shape or form. Unfortunately, going into detail here would reveal my identity of some of what I have experienced.
As for our Flight Crew colleagues, they have been my saving grace throughout this dispute and some of them who post here have been witnesses to what I experienced.
So before you come on her being judgemental, please get your facts in order.
With regards to the PCCC, I have no 'political' ambitions whatsoever except to promote it as a signed up member.
If I may add, you are typical of BASSA who are in denial of things that actually happen on a day to day basis. I am living proof of someone who has suffered intimidation during this dispute. There isn't a single day at work, where I don't come across it in some shape or form. Unfortunately, going into detail here would reveal my identity of some of what I have experienced.
As for our Flight Crew colleagues, they have been my saving grace throughout this dispute and some of them who post here have been witnesses to what I experienced.
So before you come on her being judgemental, please get your facts in order.
With regards to the PCCC, I have no 'political' ambitions whatsoever except to promote it as a signed up member.
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I am living proof of someone who has suffered intimidation during this dispute. There isn't a single day at work, where I don't come across it in some shape or form. Unfortunately, going into detail here would reveal my identity of some of what I have experienced.
How have you been intimidated? You are making accusations that you are suffering or come across intimidation every single day in work but you fail to back those accusations up with anything substantive - how can going into detail reveal your identity??
I go into work every day too and have not found any intimidation whatsoever except those of us who went on strike being too scared and intimidated to discuss it because we are in fear of being suspended on trumped up charges
As for our Flight Crew colleagues, they have been my saving grace throughout this dispute and some of them who post here have been witnesses to what I experienced.
The intimidation by strikers of non-strikers is happening, and to suggest otherwise is pure ostrich style head in sand thinking.
I have friends who are off sick with stress after continual bullying from cowardly people who left vile messages on loo walls, in drop files and on aircraft.
It may be a tiny minority that do it, but it is happening, and it is making life very unpleasant for those on the receiving end.
UDP, wake up and look around you. The bullies are subtle but they have to be, a lot of the ones caught and disciplined are the very people BASSA want re-instated.
LD
I have friends who are off sick with stress after continual bullying from cowardly people who left vile messages on loo walls, in drop files and on aircraft.
It may be a tiny minority that do it, but it is happening, and it is making life very unpleasant for those on the receiving end.
UDP, wake up and look around you. The bullies are subtle but they have to be, a lot of the ones caught and disciplined are the very people BASSA want re-instated.
LD
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upperdeckprs
You might want to take a better look at what's happening around you. I've seen people being intimidated and bullied on a daily basis.
How many times have people laughed at me in their little groups and how many times people have turned their backs on me, only God knows.
I've flown with Tiramisu and I've seen people turning their backs at her and me. So there goes your proof!
Shall I keep going on or do you need more explanation of the strikers tactics?
oa277
You might want to take a better look at what's happening around you. I've seen people being intimidated and bullied on a daily basis.
How many times have people laughed at me in their little groups and how many times people have turned their backs on me, only God knows.
I've flown with Tiramisu and I've seen people turning their backs at her and me. So there goes your proof!
Shall I keep going on or do you need more explanation of the strikers tactics?
oa277
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How many times have people laughed at me in their little groups and how many times people have turned their backs on me, only God knows.
The intimidation by strikers of non-strikers is happening, and to suggest otherwise is pure ostrich style head in sand thinking.
I have friends who are off sick with stress after continual bullying from cowardly people who left vile messages on loo walls, in drop files and on aircraft.
I have friends who are off sick with stress after continual bullying from cowardly people who left vile messages on loo walls, in drop files and on aircraft.
I genuinely have not seen this and as yet nobody has given me any clear proof that it is happening.
On the other hand I do know of many many people suspended and sacked due to this dispute, yet not one person has yet come forward with a genuine case of bullying by strikers on non-strikers - can anyone prove me wrong and give a true validated example?
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Bullying, harrassment and intimidation
upperdeckpsr
Wind back to all the material put out about bullying and harassment. The key message that comes across is that it is the victim's perception of the actions of the aggressor that determines whether someone is bullying etc.Now, depending on the course of ation you took during the dispute, you might have a different view on what is happening. For my part, I am not cabin crew and do not work in the area, but can see that the following scenario could occur.
BASSA have done a good branding exercise on those who walked out by doling out yellow pens, bag stickers, lanyards etc. Thus it is very easy to spot the XXXX brigade as they flaunt these. There is nothing like generating a group feeling. It is not unnatural that birds of a feather etc. So in a situation where you have people waiting around, there will be a natural gravitation of strikers to band together as they can clearly identify each other. Now introduce a new person into the room. The yellow brigade will want to work out whether the newcomer is 'one of them' or a non-striker. So much flashing of pens etc. If the newcomer is a fellow traveller they will feel at home, however, a non-striker might find such action to be threatening.
The thing that surprises me most is that all along we are talking about adults, yet the behaviour patterns are reminiscent of the playground. I don't quite understand the need by anyone who went on strike to so publicly identify the fact, unless deep down they know that it was foolish but are trying to brazen it out. I can't think of a previous industrial dispute where, post any strike the strikers have wanted to behave in this way. It does turn them into a clique, which is divisive. Unite have made a great deal of noise about how BA is dividing the workforce, yet by its own actions BASSA seems to be hell bent on creating friction between its members. The BASSA executive in allowing this behaviour have demonstrated that they do not respect freedom of speech or belief. Thus they are behaving in a tyrannical manner that is wholly at odds with the ethos of the union movement.
Wind back to all the material put out about bullying and harassment. The key message that comes across is that it is the victim's perception of the actions of the aggressor that determines whether someone is bullying etc.Now, depending on the course of ation you took during the dispute, you might have a different view on what is happening. For my part, I am not cabin crew and do not work in the area, but can see that the following scenario could occur.
BASSA have done a good branding exercise on those who walked out by doling out yellow pens, bag stickers, lanyards etc. Thus it is very easy to spot the XXXX brigade as they flaunt these. There is nothing like generating a group feeling. It is not unnatural that birds of a feather etc. So in a situation where you have people waiting around, there will be a natural gravitation of strikers to band together as they can clearly identify each other. Now introduce a new person into the room. The yellow brigade will want to work out whether the newcomer is 'one of them' or a non-striker. So much flashing of pens etc. If the newcomer is a fellow traveller they will feel at home, however, a non-striker might find such action to be threatening.
The thing that surprises me most is that all along we are talking about adults, yet the behaviour patterns are reminiscent of the playground. I don't quite understand the need by anyone who went on strike to so publicly identify the fact, unless deep down they know that it was foolish but are trying to brazen it out. I can't think of a previous industrial dispute where, post any strike the strikers have wanted to behave in this way. It does turn them into a clique, which is divisive. Unite have made a great deal of noise about how BA is dividing the workforce, yet by its own actions BASSA seems to be hell bent on creating friction between its members. The BASSA executive in allowing this behaviour have demonstrated that they do not respect freedom of speech or belief. Thus they are behaving in a tyrannical manner that is wholly at odds with the ethos of the union movement.
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Does anyone else find it ironic that we haven't seen or heard hide nor hare of the BASSA chair since the voting debacle nearly a year ago? Now, suddenly it is crucial that she can be derostered to...what...conduct a membership meeting? Negotiate delicately with BA on a solution? Er no. Attend a briefing by TW.
Give me strength............
Give me strength............
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In your own words
The thing that surprises me most is that all along we are talking about adults, yet the behaviour patterns are reminiscent of the playground. I don't quite understand the need by anyone who did not go on strike to so publicly identify the fact, unless deep down they know that it was foolish but are trying to brazen it out. I can't think of a previous industrial dispute where, post any strike the non-strikers have wanted to behave in this way. It does turn them into a clique, which is divisive.
I totally agree with your sentiments in a round about way
No not particularly
The thing that surprises me most is that all along we are talking about adults, yet the behaviour patterns are reminiscent of the playground. I don't quite understand the need by anyone who did not go on strike to so publicly identify the fact, unless deep down they know that it was foolish but are trying to brazen it out. I can't think of a previous industrial dispute where, post any strike the non-strikers have wanted to behave in this way. It does turn them into a clique, which is divisive.
I totally agree with your sentiments in a round about way
Does anyone else find it ironic that we haven't seen or heard hide nor hare of the BASSA chair since the voting debacle nearly a year ago?
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HiFlyer
She is the Chair of the branch in dispute and Mr Woodley is the General Secretary of the parent union. I would personally think that it would be reasonable for the two to meet, after a week of talks between the Airline, the TUC, ACAS and Unite. Obviously you do not, which is your right.
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UDP
The bullying and harrasment takes many forms. Turning backs, being left out of galley conversations, putting crew meals in the bin, throwing commuters sandwiches on the floor instead of giving them to the commuter, notes in drop files, grafitti in the toilets. More serious examples include the list of names circulating in Glasgow of people that didn't take part in IA, pouring milk on bunks in BKK, scratching cars in the car park, CSDs asking if people went to Bedfont in the briefing room, yellow pen waving in briefings, XXXX labels, the BASSA branch secretary (the one who gets all that money every month) naming and trying to shame a CSD on the BASSA forum because they didn't agree with him - you remember, "just make sure his name is known", and more than a years worth of drivel from BASSA trying to demonise the non participants. The list goes on and on and on. No doubt you are a reasder of the BASSA and Crew forums, can you honestly tell me that if anyone dares to post something that does not go with the "revolutionary" flow that they are not bullied into silence? sausage chips and beans anyone?
Ironically there has been a very large group of BASSA members that have been bullied from within. How many members do you think felt bullied into raising their hands for a "unanimous" vote at the meetings? A truely democratic organisation would not subject it's members to such intimidation and wouls actively encourage free votes on such important issues. As you ask for examples here are a few. Meeting at the racecourse, ordinary crew are fed a pack of lies then turned into a baying "NO NEGOTIATION" voting mob - I wonder how many of those in attendence now look back and cringe? Here's another one for you, the supposedly "secret" online ballot by BASSA over the last proposal. What kind of non bullying democratic organisation sends out a message half way through the poll with the message "amazingly some people have voted yes". Not surprisingly the result was that yet again the members felt they didn't have a voice and ignored the vote in droves.
Maybe you could give us an honest example of how you have treated a non striker in the same way as you have treated a striker?
sorry, I hope you don't mind me highlighting the change you made (non). Could you give us an example of the behaviour of non strikers you are talking about?
The bullying and harrasment takes many forms. Turning backs, being left out of galley conversations, putting crew meals in the bin, throwing commuters sandwiches on the floor instead of giving them to the commuter, notes in drop files, grafitti in the toilets. More serious examples include the list of names circulating in Glasgow of people that didn't take part in IA, pouring milk on bunks in BKK, scratching cars in the car park, CSDs asking if people went to Bedfont in the briefing room, yellow pen waving in briefings, XXXX labels, the BASSA branch secretary (the one who gets all that money every month) naming and trying to shame a CSD on the BASSA forum because they didn't agree with him - you remember, "just make sure his name is known", and more than a years worth of drivel from BASSA trying to demonise the non participants. The list goes on and on and on. No doubt you are a reasder of the BASSA and Crew forums, can you honestly tell me that if anyone dares to post something that does not go with the "revolutionary" flow that they are not bullied into silence? sausage chips and beans anyone?
Ironically there has been a very large group of BASSA members that have been bullied from within. How many members do you think felt bullied into raising their hands for a "unanimous" vote at the meetings? A truely democratic organisation would not subject it's members to such intimidation and wouls actively encourage free votes on such important issues. As you ask for examples here are a few. Meeting at the racecourse, ordinary crew are fed a pack of lies then turned into a baying "NO NEGOTIATION" voting mob - I wonder how many of those in attendence now look back and cringe? Here's another one for you, the supposedly "secret" online ballot by BASSA over the last proposal. What kind of non bullying democratic organisation sends out a message half way through the poll with the message "amazingly some people have voted yes". Not surprisingly the result was that yet again the members felt they didn't have a voice and ignored the vote in droves.
Maybe you could give us an honest example of how you have treated a non striker in the same way as you have treated a striker?
In your own words
The thing that surprises me most is that all along we are talking about adults, yet the behaviour patterns are reminiscent of the playground. I don't quite understand the need by anyone who did not go on strike to so publicly identify the fact, unless deep down they know that it was foolish but are trying to brazen it out. I can't think of a previous industrial dispute where, post any strike the non-strikers have wanted to behave in this way. It does turn them into a clique, which is divisive.
I totally agree with your sentiments in a round about way
The thing that surprises me most is that all along we are talking about adults, yet the behaviour patterns are reminiscent of the playground. I don't quite understand the need by anyone who did not go on strike to so publicly identify the fact, unless deep down they know that it was foolish but are trying to brazen it out. I can't think of a previous industrial dispute where, post any strike the non-strikers have wanted to behave in this way. It does turn them into a clique, which is divisive.
I totally agree with your sentiments in a round about way
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Litebulbs
You (conveniently) overlooked the main point that we haven't heard a bean from this very important person for nearly a year. A very critical year.
I didn't say they shouldn't meet. The timing, and thereby the "reasonableness" of the request is what is questionable. BASSA seem to think it is a guaranteed right. It is not. The sooner BASSA get to grips with that, and stop misleading innocent cabin crew into believing that they have rights where they do not the better off we all will be.
Reality check, that's all.
. But I guess that's what we've all been trying to tell BASSA all along.
You (conveniently) overlooked the main point that we haven't heard a bean from this very important person for nearly a year. A very critical year.
I didn't say they shouldn't meet. The timing, and thereby the "reasonableness" of the request is what is questionable. BASSA seem to think it is a guaranteed right. It is not. The sooner BASSA get to grips with that, and stop misleading innocent cabin crew into believing that they have rights where they do not the better off we all will be.
Reality check, that's all.
. But I guess that's what we've all been trying to tell BASSA all along.
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HF14,
Quote "not all our members choose to join the forum, and as this number was being confused as being our total membership numbers, we have now removed it from our forum. Hope this clarifies for you".
Really. Who’s spinning now? It appears that the pccc are increasingly committing the transgressions that they so frequently and unjustly accuse the recognised workplace union of doing. Unfortunately, the pccc rhetoric is becoming more and more transparent in it’s true objectives of de-unionising a workforce to the benefit of whom exactly, no one can be sure. (after all it is a fact that the pccc are NOT a union, as per their website and are actively encouraging union members to leave their union, no?)
A brief look at the pccc forum and the comms sent out by the anonymous organisation sound more like some kind of union busting Darlek constantly bleating “EXTERMINATE BASSA! EXTERMINATE!! EXTERMINATE!!!!”. I don’t think I’ve read a single set of comms from the pccc which didn’t have this ultimate message in some form. Very professional, not. Surely, the focus of the pccc should be primarily on the limited membership and their limited views, instead of what seems to be a single minded attack on another work place representative body representing the majority.
Most of all I feel pity for the limited few who have chosen to support the pccc. I take it the meeting in Leicester square wasn’t much fun for the only two members who chose to attend and spend the afternoon wandering round the square in desperate search for another like minded individual or indeed what might pass a representative. Again, I suggest that that attendance figure represents the minority the pccc say to represent.
Nutjob - Re transfers for LGW...
Quote:
"No rules regarding this were changed in the first proposals.[...] You were NOT striking over this and it's quite worrying (yet common) that you believe you were."
And in a single post, you have exposed the entire pointless nature of this entire thread. However, that's not entirely your fault, it's representative of a group of people not evolved directly and talking about a subject which does not impact upon them directly. Unless that is you are cabin crew at LGW, and in that case I will happily withdrawn my statement.
Let us not forget the ‘fight for survival’ proved to be out and out nonsense as we've all ultimately witnessed that 21 days of industrial action and 9 days of ash closure hasn't seen the airline disappear off the face of the earth. (and yes, your pensions are still safe). Indeed, the opposite is now apparent and we're actively seeking to swallow up other airlines with our extensive cash reserves. As accurately described by my representatives. Not a fight for survival but more resembling a greedy squabble at the trough.
In the alternative case. I submit the following facts.
Fact. There was 8 dispute items in the ballot which directly concerned LGW. Including transfer rights. Right from the first ballot. If you’re unaware of them, you either didn’t read the enclosed letter of dispute or didn’t receive it as you were not qualified to receive it in the first place.
Now I fully appreciate that this is a forum where one is expected to 'box' with one hand tied behind one's back. But again, I say this. I stood up for my transfer right. A right negotiated by my representatives. Would my respected colleagues in the flight crew community accept the withdrawal of a right to transfer fleet and base. I think not. (I can hear you all scream, this isn’t about flight crew. I’m not stating it is. I’m simply asking a question. Would YOU accept the company withdrawing your right to transfer fleet or base? And I’d appreciate any brave enough to answer.)
Therefore I submit that I was justified in taking lawful industrial action and will continue to take such action until this right, one which is respected by both communities, is returned. After all. Fight for survival has exposed itself into the true manta of "We have a right to manage." Which I guess includes all communities.
Quote "not all our members choose to join the forum, and as this number was being confused as being our total membership numbers, we have now removed it from our forum. Hope this clarifies for you".
Really. Who’s spinning now?
It appears that the pccc are increasingly committing the transgressions that they so frequently and unjustly accuse the recognised workplace union of doing. Unfortunately, the pccc rhetoric is becoming more and more transparent in it’s true objectives of de-unionising a workforce to the benefit of whom exactly, no one can be sure. (after all it is a fact that the pccc are NOT a union, as per their website and are actively encouraging union members to leave their union, no?)A brief look at the pccc forum and the comms sent out by the anonymous organisation sound more like some kind of union busting Darlek constantly bleating “EXTERMINATE BASSA! EXTERMINATE!! EXTERMINATE!!!!”. I don’t think I’ve read a single set of comms from the pccc which didn’t have this ultimate message in some form. Very professional, not. Surely, the focus of the pccc should be primarily on the limited membership and their limited views, instead of what seems to be a single minded attack on another work place representative body representing the majority.
Most of all I feel pity for the limited few who have chosen to support the pccc. I take it the meeting in Leicester square wasn’t much fun for the only two members who chose to attend and spend the afternoon wandering round the square in desperate search for another like minded individual or indeed what might pass a representative. Again, I suggest that that attendance figure represents the minority the pccc say to represent.
Nutjob - Re transfers for LGW...
Quote:
"No rules regarding this were changed in the first proposals.[...] You were NOT striking over this and it's quite worrying (yet common) that you believe you were."
And in a single post, you have exposed the entire pointless nature of this entire thread. However, that's not entirely your fault, it's representative of a group of people not evolved directly and talking about a subject which does not impact upon them directly. Unless that is you are cabin crew at LGW, and in that case I will happily withdrawn my statement.
Let us not forget the ‘fight for survival’ proved to be out and out nonsense as we've all ultimately witnessed that 21 days of industrial action and 9 days of ash closure hasn't seen the airline disappear off the face of the earth. (and yes, your pensions are still safe). Indeed, the opposite is now apparent and we're actively seeking to swallow up other airlines with our extensive cash reserves. As accurately described by my representatives. Not a fight for survival but more resembling a greedy squabble at the trough.
In the alternative case. I submit the following facts.
Fact. There was 8 dispute items in the ballot which directly concerned LGW. Including transfer rights. Right from the first ballot. If you’re unaware of them, you either didn’t read the enclosed letter of dispute or didn’t receive it as you were not qualified to receive it in the first place.
Now I fully appreciate that this is a forum where one is expected to 'box' with one hand tied behind one's back. But again, I say this. I stood up for my transfer right. A right negotiated by my representatives. Would my respected colleagues in the flight crew community accept the withdrawal of a right to transfer fleet and base. I think not. (I can hear you all scream, this isn’t about flight crew. I’m not stating it is. I’m simply asking a question. Would YOU accept the company withdrawing your right to transfer fleet or base? And I’d appreciate any brave enough to answer.)
Therefore I submit that I was justified in taking lawful industrial action and will continue to take such action until this right, one which is respected by both communities, is returned. After all. Fight for survival has exposed itself into the true manta of "We have a right to manage." Which I guess includes all communities.
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That may have been your main point, not mine. You gave up your right or access to her in her representative capability, when you left BASSA. I am sure she is active on her forums of choice, like you are here.
Last edited by Litebulbs; 18th Oct 2010 at 04:00.
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I can't think of a previous industrial dispute where, post any strike the non-strikers have wanted to behave in this way. It does turn them into a clique, which is divisive.
I will give you an example of where one person felt bullied by another, or at least, an implied threat. She was approached in the back galley by two Bedfont crew and told "your name came up at Bedfont, we all know that you came to work". Now, in the cold light of day that doesn't sound so bad; 'so what?' would be my reaction. For the person on the receiving end, on her own in that galley with a twelve hour day ahead of her and only those two to work with, that was a very uncomfortable day. No-one should be made to feel that way when they come to work.
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Let us not forget the ‘fight for survival’ proved to be out and out nonsense as we've all ultimately witnessed that 21 days of industrial action and 9 days of ash closure hasn't seen the airline disappear off the face of the earth. (and yes, your pensions are still safe). Indeed, the opposite is now apparent and we're actively seeking to swallow up other airlines with our extensive cash reserves. As accurately described by my representatives. Not a fight for survival but more resembling a greedy squabble at the trough.
How fantastic such clear 20/20 hindsight must make you feel.
As has been posted countless times here it was the actions of ALL the staff, yes including the managers who were required to forego CONTRACTUAL target bonuses (the ones written into managerial contracts for the purposes of ensuring performace) and were the first on the chopping block of VR/CR. The rest of the company payed in as well with productivity increases, personnel cutbacks and pay cuts. The savings were targetted PER DEPARTMENT as to what each and everyone could afford to rationalise. Guess what, IFcE had the biggest bill.
BASSA were invited to tender cuts and organise their own way forward. They didn't. That left the company with the imposition of change as an only option so don't get all moralistic about how unfair the world has been to you. BASSA could have been your voice, they chose not to negotiate. Your problem with your Union, not the problem of the rest of the company employees.
As BASSA seem to display such cute business accumen perhaps they could explain to their members what could, potentially have happened if the savings weren't made in an expedicious manner? The lack of investment and the inability to borrow cash reserves at an acceptable interest rate would have decimated the companies cash reserves like a wildfire. Only the actions of the management in standing up to the usual intimidatory bluster of BASSA prevented the downgrading of BA stock across the board. The savings measure implemented by everyone else ensured forward investment which enable the company to continue trading and come out of the recession (that has still not potentially ended) in a position to be able to grow.
So rather than harangue your colleagues I feel that BASSA owes a debt of gratitude to those across the company who were not as greedy, didn't stare at their navals waiting for it to go away and were proactive in ensuring we all, including BASSA have jobs.
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I am sure she is active on her forums of choice, like you are here.
Also remember she only did her 1st trip after years of long term sickness just before the strike.
Do Bassa have to pay her travel expenses? She lives in LA.
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The Faceless Few
My understanding is that BASSA is governed by a nine person executive committee. These people have been making the key decisions over what they deem to be acceptable in terms of management offers. Now given the amount of upheavals in sackings etc. It would be useful to know how many of that nine person committee are now BA staff. You see as a non-crew bod, I'd like to think that such decisions were being taken by people who are serving staff. Do crew actually know who is making these decisions?