BA CC industrial relations (current airline staff only)
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The Burke group:
They are consultants, they will be 'consulted' for contingency planning for 'cataclysmic' events and scenario run work throughs. One of thousands of nebulous contingency plans the company will keep in a bottom draw.
Just because the company employs them doesn't make it 'real'.
Clutching at straws one feels.
(They were also used for the inception of Open Skies as a ruler as to how communities within the company would feel.)
They are consultants, they will be 'consulted' for contingency planning for 'cataclysmic' events and scenario run work throughs. One of thousands of nebulous contingency plans the company will keep in a bottom draw.
Just because the company employs them doesn't make it 'real'.
Clutching at straws one feels.
(They were also used for the inception of Open Skies as a ruler as to how communities within the company would feel.)
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Thats lovely. so 14000 crew, should just suffer their lot, and accept their career is over? Anyone working for a large company should be really worried. Are you next?
Now BASSA are asked to do the same, we have all this kicking and screaming and doom doom doom.
Why not have a union that negotiates in an adult fashion and works with the company rather than against it!
Yes I am worried for the future, very worried BUT I cannot change the way economics dictate.
The no no no approach will be far more damaging to you (and all of us), so, maybe a union that can negotiate without politics would favour us all!
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Union Busting
MM you may not have read my post correctly, but I see you are seeming to quote me
- nope. They could try being represented by a modern union that negotiates and understands business needs. You may not like the fact business has needs, but if a business cannot adapt, make significant money to allow it to reinvest - there are NO JOBS. So the business needs are ALL OUR needs. Simply saying NO, and sticking your head in the sand because you want it to be different is NOT negotiation. I may be next, I may have been next for many. many years now but a) I have adpated personally and b) my union represents me much better than BASSA represents you. So although not 'safe' (as no-one is in the modern world) we have a much better chance of survival IMHO.
Yes the deal is great and you got that WITHOUT your trade union. You would be well off to take the GOOD deal and then work about getting a GOOD union, IMHO.
- Read/replace for the words BA with BASSA.
and after so many, many, many years of childish stuborness and a complete inflexibility and unwillingness to negotiate - as we ALL keep saying, who would blame them. And for me you can add to that, the rest of us will never be safe in our jobs whilst BASSA keep bringing the company down!
.
Some crew maybe, but they are and will continue to be such a dwindling number and therefore so unimportant in the running of the airline no-one will give a sweet
.
Remember also BA can exisit without BASSA - can BASSA exisit without BA?
If Union Busting is on the agenda, then who is to blame and who in the company apart from cabin crew and those with left wing political agendas would care?
Thats lovely. so 14000 crew, should just suffer their lot, and accept their career is over? Anyone working for a large company should be really worried. Are you next?
OH, but the deal is great, I hear you say!! the deal is meaningless without a trade union.
This whole dispute has been planned for years. BA could have ended it months ago.
They don't want to, not without their prize. BASSA BURIED.
Unfortunately I don't think they banked on such resistance. Crew are more determined than ever to go down fighting, so this will drag on.
Some crew maybe, but they are and will continue to be such a dwindling number and therefore so unimportant in the running of the airline no-one will give a sweet
.Remember also BA can exisit without BASSA - can BASSA exisit without BA?
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Crew are more determined than ever to go down fighting, so this will drag on.
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I find all of this sickening - BASSA have lost the plot entirely -the fact that crew still have some faith in it astounds me.. I have been flying for 16 years and love my job, I am told I am good at it and I will continue to work hard for our customers and support my colleagues whenever and where ever I can.. I AM TOLD CATAGORICALLY that I can continue to do this on my current terms and conditions and as I, as well as many others (who will now sign the individual offer), will have protection and assurances.
What more does BASSA want?...I really think that the sooner BASSA falls into oblivion the better...there are now plenty of crew online, who have seen the major failings of an organisation (BASSA) who continually tell their members how hard they have fought for their hard earned agreements..except, as has been stated in a previous post, BASSA have said NO to nearly everything including the long range agreement, yet go on and on about how hard they have worked for us...its pathetic.
BASSA is a spent force...go ahead with your strike - it wont work - I have been reliably informed that BF has now made more individual offers available to non-union crew, as he was contacted by so many who want a fair and reasonable settlement to this dispute.
I also understand that BASSA now has NOT got anywhere near 10,000 crew it once had - I will be very interested to know how many they actually have...perhaps there is a case for derecognition by BA...certainly I think Amicus should be de-recongnised as they cant have many members left - in any case, only 40 of the (Amicus) members claimed for strike pay last time round - says it all really!
I think that the BASSA reps should hold their heads down in shame after what they have presided over these past two years...Childish pathetic antics. I understand that the PCCC is alive and well and have been increasing numbers, which is great - finally a progressive entity who might ACTUALLY represent all crew, of all grades and bases.
Part of me wants BASSA to go on strike, as it will expedite their demise..there will be plenty of people willing to fill in as VCC's and non-striking crew who will put pay to any strike effectiveness.. what astounds me is that BASSA and the sycophants cant see this...
All this talk of Union busting is laughable - BASSA has destroyed itself ... BA havent really needed to work that hard to bust BASSA.. Lizanne and her team have done an admirable inhouse job!
What more does BASSA want?...I really think that the sooner BASSA falls into oblivion the better...there are now plenty of crew online, who have seen the major failings of an organisation (BASSA) who continually tell their members how hard they have fought for their hard earned agreements..except, as has been stated in a previous post, BASSA have said NO to nearly everything including the long range agreement, yet go on and on about how hard they have worked for us...its pathetic.
BASSA is a spent force...go ahead with your strike - it wont work - I have been reliably informed that BF has now made more individual offers available to non-union crew, as he was contacted by so many who want a fair and reasonable settlement to this dispute.
I also understand that BASSA now has NOT got anywhere near 10,000 crew it once had - I will be very interested to know how many they actually have...perhaps there is a case for derecognition by BA...certainly I think Amicus should be de-recongnised as they cant have many members left - in any case, only 40 of the (Amicus) members claimed for strike pay last time round - says it all really!
I think that the BASSA reps should hold their heads down in shame after what they have presided over these past two years...Childish pathetic antics. I understand that the PCCC is alive and well and have been increasing numbers, which is great - finally a progressive entity who might ACTUALLY represent all crew, of all grades and bases.
Part of me wants BASSA to go on strike, as it will expedite their demise..there will be plenty of people willing to fill in as VCC's and non-striking crew who will put pay to any strike effectiveness.. what astounds me is that BASSA and the sycophants cant see this...
All this talk of Union busting is laughable - BASSA has destroyed itself ... BA havent really needed to work that hard to bust BASSA.. Lizanne and her team have done an admirable inhouse job!
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I know it has been said so many times before but I am going to say it again:
BASSA have brought this on themselves!
If BA were following some kind of plan to 'bust' the unions then BASSA was an obvious target.
No to the Long Range Agreement
No to midfleet/767
No to New York crew hotel (Fitzpatrick)
No to the consolidation (1997)
No to hourly rate - and less tax
No to pensions changes
No to hot towels
No to window blinds
No negotiating
NO NO NO NO
What good is a union that has only one response to ANY proposal?
They have self-destroyed and are now on a long and very slippery slope to oblivion - Good
BASSA have brought this on themselves!
If BA were following some kind of plan to 'bust' the unions then BASSA was an obvious target.
No to the Long Range Agreement
No to midfleet/767
No to New York crew hotel (Fitzpatrick)
No to the consolidation (1997)
No to hourly rate - and less tax
No to pensions changes
No to hot towels
No to window blinds
No negotiating
NO NO NO NO
What good is a union that has only one response to ANY proposal?
They have self-destroyed and are now on a long and very slippery slope to oblivion - Good
VCtenderness what about:
No to part time in 1993 - we will all be part time in 2 years time. Thats what BA wants.
No to crewcard in 94. BA will see what we spend on our allowances and then lower them!
Give me 5 mins,thats a real 5 mins not a Bassa 5 mins and I'm sure I'll think of more.
Bill Francis wrote
My Bold
End the dispute
Secure the deal and pave the way for the full return of staff travel in 2013
Look after our customers
Avoid divisions between colleagues at work and onboard
Secure the deal and pave the way for the full return of staff travel in 2013
Look after our customers
Avoid divisions between colleagues at work and onboard
Sorry Bill but these divisions will be here as long as these angry crew are here, which is for ever if you let them. It might be over for you if there is no strike, but on the shopfloor its very differant I can tell you.
So Ottergirl, if you have a ballot form, PLEASE vote yes, as it seems to me that another strike is the ONLY way this whole mess will get properly sorted
Last edited by JUAN TRIPP; 23rd Dec 2010 at 16:42.
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I AM TOLD CATAGORICALLY that I can continue to do this on my current terms and conditions and as I, as well as many others (who will now sign the individual offer), will have protection and assurances.
Dream on mate. 5 years max before you are redeployed. Please read the new contract: that is your future. Like so many others on this forum, you have been sucked into the BA spin. please try and see the bigger picture. No union = No protection. redeployment clause is very worrying indeed.
Dream on mate. 5 years max before you are redeployed. Please read the new contract: that is your future. Like so many others on this forum, you have been sucked into the BA spin. please try and see the bigger picture. No union = No protection. redeployment clause is very worrying indeed.
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Please - exactly what have the beloved BASSA done in the past 10 years to benefit me...I can tell you - little to NOTHING..... as BASSA has said NO to everything including those things which have benefited me in working life, including part time and the Long Range Agreement, I fancy my chances without membership of such a useless and dysfunctional mob...
You might be aware, that we were offered a 4 year pay deal, a free ticket and share option and Bidding for WW crew at the start of this dispute..Good old BASSA said NO to all of those things... Good old BASSA..so good for the crew community - I think that they have done heaps more harm than good... I hope that they fail miserably in the New Year...they are a failed organisation.
You might be aware, that we were offered a 4 year pay deal, a free ticket and share option and Bidding for WW crew at the start of this dispute..Good old BASSA said NO to all of those things... Good old BASSA..so good for the crew community - I think that they have done heaps more harm than good... I hope that they fail miserably in the New Year...they are a failed organisation.
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5 years max before you are redeployed
Not sure exactly what you want as you are so distrustful of everyone and everything other than BASSA!
Obviously though, you feel that you should have far more than non CC staff, or, indeed the entire working population. Sorry..it aint gonna happen..and if you think that IA will make it happen, sadly, you are deluded.
IA will end this for sure...but not in a way BASSA desire.
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A trade union (British English) or labor union (American English) is an organization of workers that have banded together to achieve common goals such as better working conditions. The trade union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members (rank and file[1] members) and negotiates labour contracts (collective bargaining) with employers. This may include the negotiation of wages, work rules, complaint procedures, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits, workplace safety and policies. The agreements negotiated by the union leaders are binding on the rank and file members and the employer and in some cases on other non-member workers.
Originating in Europe, trade unions became popular in many countries during the Industrial Revolution, when the lack of skill necessary to perform most jobs shifted employment bargaining power almost completely to the employers' side, causing many workers to be mistreated and underpaid. Trade union organizations may be composed of individual workers, professionals, past workers, or the unemployed. The most common, but by no means only, purpose of these organizations is "maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment".[2]
I see nothing in the definition of a trade Union about actively trying to reduce the rights of workers. A good TU should resist change, until a mutually agreed solution is negotiated. That is how it works. Unfortunately BA decided on the imposition route instead.
Originating in Europe, trade unions became popular in many countries during the Industrial Revolution, when the lack of skill necessary to perform most jobs shifted employment bargaining power almost completely to the employers' side, causing many workers to be mistreated and underpaid. Trade union organizations may be composed of individual workers, professionals, past workers, or the unemployed. The most common, but by no means only, purpose of these organizations is "maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment".[2]
I see nothing in the definition of a trade Union about actively trying to reduce the rights of workers. A good TU should resist change, until a mutually agreed solution is negotiated. That is how it works. Unfortunately BA decided on the imposition route instead.
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A good TU should resist change, until a mutually agreed solution is negotiated. That is how it works. Unfortunately BA decided on the imposition route instead.
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Mohitomaster
Please, in all seriousness, what do you think another strike is likely to acheive? Do you really think that Keith Williams is going to reverse everything WW has done over the last 2 years, including getting rid of Mixed Fleet? He'd be lynched by the board, ridiculed by other sections of the airline and would send the share price plummeting.
The Chairman brought in WW to do a specific job - modernise the airline, so that it survives the next few years of intense competition and external challenges to the airline industry as a whole. He's approved KW for the same reasons. KW may be a different singer, but he's crooning from the same song sheet. He and the board KNOW that this battle against irresponsible union power HAS to be won, even if it puts the airline in difficulties short term.
I ask you, in all seriousness, what's the bigger imminent threat to your current terms and conditions, vague tales of a possible treat from the Redeployment Agreement in 5 years time, or a management desperate to kill off another damaging strike, yet knowing that backing down is not an option?
NOBODY knows what the airline world will look like in five years time. We may ALL be out of a job. It's impossible to plan that far ahead and no airline, no business, is going to hamper it's chances of survival by giving the cast iron guarantees BASSA is misleading you into thinking it should and can give.
As has been said so many times before, the world has moved on and unfortunately BASSA and the likes of Bob Crowe and all the other old style union leaders, just can't get their head round that. They are fighting the unwinnable fight. You may think it's worth bringing down the airline over, but I don't, thank you.
The scare stories from BASSA/Amicus of what BA intends to do in the future, are nothing more than pure speculation at this stage. They may turn out to be true, who knows, but I wouldn't "go down fighting" on the basis of it, if I were you, because BASSA's record of accuracy on these threats of our demise are astonishingly poor, as someone above recently pointed out.
Please, in all seriousness, what do you think another strike is likely to acheive? Do you really think that Keith Williams is going to reverse everything WW has done over the last 2 years, including getting rid of Mixed Fleet? He'd be lynched by the board, ridiculed by other sections of the airline and would send the share price plummeting.
The Chairman brought in WW to do a specific job - modernise the airline, so that it survives the next few years of intense competition and external challenges to the airline industry as a whole. He's approved KW for the same reasons. KW may be a different singer, but he's crooning from the same song sheet. He and the board KNOW that this battle against irresponsible union power HAS to be won, even if it puts the airline in difficulties short term.
I ask you, in all seriousness, what's the bigger imminent threat to your current terms and conditions, vague tales of a possible treat from the Redeployment Agreement in 5 years time, or a management desperate to kill off another damaging strike, yet knowing that backing down is not an option?
NOBODY knows what the airline world will look like in five years time. We may ALL be out of a job. It's impossible to plan that far ahead and no airline, no business, is going to hamper it's chances of survival by giving the cast iron guarantees BASSA is misleading you into thinking it should and can give.
As has been said so many times before, the world has moved on and unfortunately BASSA and the likes of Bob Crowe and all the other old style union leaders, just can't get their head round that. They are fighting the unwinnable fight. You may think it's worth bringing down the airline over, but I don't, thank you.
The scare stories from BASSA/Amicus of what BA intends to do in the future, are nothing more than pure speculation at this stage. They may turn out to be true, who knows, but I wouldn't "go down fighting" on the basis of it, if I were you, because BASSA's record of accuracy on these threats of our demise are astonishingly poor, as someone above recently pointed out.
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Hi,
Could someone please refresh my mind on the issue of hot towels in WT+ please as I believe this arose before the present dispute. If my company introduced a new route or service I would think 'great the company is expanding, or providing greater choice to attract more customers, this is good as it makes my job more secure'. If I then said I refuse to fly to new destination X, Y or Z, or refused to sell blueberry muffins along side chocolate ones, I would rightly expect to be suspended prior to being dismissed.
BA should just tell crew to 'serve the hot towels'. Anyone who doesn't gets suspended. Whats the worst that can happen, a strike ballot?
Ottergirl perhaps you and anyone else who got a ballot due administrative incompetence plus those who can't decide which way to vote should send them all to WW. He would then have a block vote (unions like that) and he could decide which way to steer the result.
regards
Could someone please refresh my mind on the issue of hot towels in WT+ please as I believe this arose before the present dispute. If my company introduced a new route or service I would think 'great the company is expanding, or providing greater choice to attract more customers, this is good as it makes my job more secure'. If I then said I refuse to fly to new destination X, Y or Z, or refused to sell blueberry muffins along side chocolate ones, I would rightly expect to be suspended prior to being dismissed.
BA should just tell crew to 'serve the hot towels'. Anyone who doesn't gets suspended. Whats the worst that can happen, a strike ballot?
Ottergirl perhaps you and anyone else who got a ballot due administrative incompetence plus those who can't decide which way to vote should send them all to WW. He would then have a block vote (unions like that) and he could decide which way to steer the result.
regards
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Originally Posted by Mohitomaster
Bassa have tried to negotiate, We will always disagree on this item, so not prepared to argue
Did they really?
Here are the FACTS and links to the source -
I heard evidence as to the course of events at ACAS and the following emerged. The BASSA and Amicus factions were separately represented and sat in separate rooms. Despite the efforts of ACAS they could not be persuaded to join forces for a meeting with BA. The latter raised the possibility of separate agreements with the respective factions but, understandably, that did not appeal. In the overall result there was no meeting between the Union and BA
During June 2009, there was a serious disagreement between the two union branches with the result that it was no longer possible to conduct meetings at which both branches were present. In late June, BA put forward a proposal which included specific reductions in crew complement. Two days later, Unite put forward a Pay and Productivity proposal which it claimed would save £173 million per annum. Although this proposal included some reduction in crew complements, these were not as significant as the BA proposal. BA then analysed the costings within the union’s proposal and found that it would result in savings of only £53 million. It was therefore unacceptable. In July and September, there were several attempts at further negotiation, some involving ACAS. A particular difficulty was that the two branches of the union were still not prepared to work together.
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As long as the SWP are inolved in BASSA, there will be no surrender, as this is no longer about cabin crew, but a greater ultra left wing agenda.
Anyone else think that BASSA sounds like a certain Northern Ireland cleric / politician. NO NO NO No Surrender.
Does this sound familiar to any particular union
"That means building rank and file organisation to increase the pressure on the union leaders to call action and to act independently if they won’t. "
Sounds like BASSA on the recent 'Unite / BA agreement'?
Well, its from As TUC invites Cameron to speak, we need fightback not paralysis at top|3Jul10|Socialist Worker In June 2010. So who is wagging the tail of BASSA these days - cabin crew, or the Socialist Worker Party?
Perhaps this rant sounds familiar too?
Reject rotten deal at BA|30Oct10|Socialist Worker
Hard Left and Pimms don't go together I'm afraid. Socialism and Tax reduced lifestyles in South Africa and France on UK salaries don't go together either. Be careful for what you wish for - your bed mates may not be who you they think they are?
Anyone else think that BASSA sounds like a certain Northern Ireland cleric / politician. NO NO NO No Surrender.
Does this sound familiar to any particular union
"That means building rank and file organisation to increase the pressure on the union leaders to call action and to act independently if they won’t. "
Sounds like BASSA on the recent 'Unite / BA agreement'?
Well, its from As TUC invites Cameron to speak, we need fightback not paralysis at top|3Jul10|Socialist Worker In June 2010. So who is wagging the tail of BASSA these days - cabin crew, or the Socialist Worker Party?
Perhaps this rant sounds familiar too?
Reject rotten deal at BA|30Oct10|Socialist Worker
Hard Left and Pimms don't go together I'm afraid. Socialism and Tax reduced lifestyles in South Africa and France on UK salaries don't go together either. Be careful for what you wish for - your bed mates may not be who you they think they are?
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MohitoMaster. In response to your various points.
'1) BASSA’s Branch Secretary has been sacked, the director of all BASSA communications has been sacked, the Treasurer is on a charge of gross misconduct, the rep in charge of all dispute related suspensions has been suspended and charged with gross misconduct, another key rep is facing a charge of gross misconduct and the Convener, the Deputy Convener and the Chairman all still face disciplinary charges.'
BASSA's branch secretary was sacked for failing to work normally. He was rostered and decided that he would not turn in for work. He was treated the same way that any other BA employee would have been in these circumstances. You might like to refresh your memory on the reasons for the other dismissals whilst you are about it. If the individuals concerned were entirely blameless, why have they not taken BA to an Employment Tribunal for unfair dismissal ? Oh, sorry, the branch sec did and was told that his case didn't hold water. If BASSA representatives behave in a manner that is in clear breach of their terms and conditions of employment, they can expect to be dealt with in this manner.
'2) There have been sixty crew suspensions and fifteen dismissals for dispute related 'offences' all run by a separate 'Backing BA' team and conducted in rooms specifically in use for 'Backing BA', Asset Protection have been photographed sitting outside crews houses and are actively monitoring all websites mentioning the dispute. Crew are afraid to speak to anyone for fear of being reported and other departments and all levels of management are being actively encouraged to report crew.'
No. There have been suspensions becuase the individual's concerned have either had colleagues state that they have been bullied or harrassed by them, or there has been the suggestion that their behaviour has been inappropriate. The standard practice in these circumstances is to suspend the individual on full basic pay until the matter has been fully investigated and any appropriate action taken.
You are of course aware that all internet traffic on the BA network is monitored, not by Asset Protection, but by IT Security.
I presume you have first hand proof that the handful of Asset Protect staff (They are a very small department numbering less than 10) have been photographing cabin crew ? That is, you have photographic evidence of this behaviour, or have been able to challeng the individuals concerned and been able to determine that they are BA employees working in this department ?? If not then I suggest that this is just another bit of galley gossip with no foundation in the truth.
I'm quite prepared to believe that someone in BA is monitoring what is being written on forums about the dispute, however, much of what is written is under pseudonyms. IP addresses may be logged, but ISPs are not of a mind to release such information without a good reason, like a court order. There's a little thing called the Data Protection Act that kinda inhibits such behaviour.
'3) Various well known court cases and injunctions have been instigated against Unite.'
And in all bar one instance, the courts have deemed that Unite have acted illegally - do you think that unions should be able to operate outside the law ??
'4) Money was no object, even the incredibly expensive wet leasing of aircraft, dispersal of revenue to other carriers. The full weight of the corporate machine was behind the 'Backing BA' agenda, no matter what the cost, alternate staff were drafted in from around the globe (VCC’s), all to directly undermine lawful industrial action.'
The vast majority of VCC's have been your colleagues form other departments. Now let's think about this one a bit. Why do you think that so many BA staff volunteered to help ? They weren't being hosed down with buckets of cash. The company didn't hold a gun to anyone's head. These were willing volunteers. The guy who sits in the next desk to me was one of them. A high proportion are union members. Could it possibly be that we reckoned that BASSA were way out of line ? Could it be that we have all made sacrifices over the past few years and saw BASSA lining up to trash the efforts we had made ? BASSA, who had not given up anything and steadfastly refused to negotiate (show of hands ring bells ???) BASSA who jumped for joy and declared '12 Days of Christmas strikes'
'5) The PCCC was created & openly encouraged.'
By cabin crew who had decided that Unite was as much use as a chocolate teapot. BA management would love to deal with a group representing cabin crew who behaved in an adult, rational and businesslike manner - that rules out the current BASSA leadership.
'6) The commissioning of reports, employment of Union busters and the engagement of the American multi-national Baker McKenzie, the second largest law firm in the world as their legal advisors.'
Um... can you prove unequivocally that these people have been hired to provide plans for BA to break unions ? Because unless you can I suggest that your statements are total claptrap. BA employs a number of consultancies from time to time. One of these has been Accenture, who are renowned for providing plans for outsourcing. Does that mean that BA is going to outsource all it's service parts ? No. Because the report that Accenture produced at that time was about streamlining the IT operation.
It is becoming abundantly clear that BASSA are not fit for purpose. They are unable to keep adequate records of their membership. They are unwilling, or unable to consult with their total membership (not the 10% who are able to attend mass meetings) on the direction they should be taking. The leadership have demonstrated their ineptitude in understanding the legal aspects of strike action, as highlighted by the chairperson's advice to members who were leaving the company last year that they were entitled to vote in the strike ballot. I suggest that if BASSA were fit for purpose, then they would have maintained their membership numbers during this dispute. The plain fact that they have lost in excess of 15% of the membership in the space of eight months suggests otherwise. People do not leave unions for no good reason. The uphill task the branch now faces is that it has been discredited in the eyes of many. The best thing that Unite could do is to set up a new branch and close down BASSA.
'1) BASSA’s Branch Secretary has been sacked, the director of all BASSA communications has been sacked, the Treasurer is on a charge of gross misconduct, the rep in charge of all dispute related suspensions has been suspended and charged with gross misconduct, another key rep is facing a charge of gross misconduct and the Convener, the Deputy Convener and the Chairman all still face disciplinary charges.'
BASSA's branch secretary was sacked for failing to work normally. He was rostered and decided that he would not turn in for work. He was treated the same way that any other BA employee would have been in these circumstances. You might like to refresh your memory on the reasons for the other dismissals whilst you are about it. If the individuals concerned were entirely blameless, why have they not taken BA to an Employment Tribunal for unfair dismissal ? Oh, sorry, the branch sec did and was told that his case didn't hold water. If BASSA representatives behave in a manner that is in clear breach of their terms and conditions of employment, they can expect to be dealt with in this manner.
'2) There have been sixty crew suspensions and fifteen dismissals for dispute related 'offences' all run by a separate 'Backing BA' team and conducted in rooms specifically in use for 'Backing BA', Asset Protection have been photographed sitting outside crews houses and are actively monitoring all websites mentioning the dispute. Crew are afraid to speak to anyone for fear of being reported and other departments and all levels of management are being actively encouraged to report crew.'
No. There have been suspensions becuase the individual's concerned have either had colleagues state that they have been bullied or harrassed by them, or there has been the suggestion that their behaviour has been inappropriate. The standard practice in these circumstances is to suspend the individual on full basic pay until the matter has been fully investigated and any appropriate action taken.
You are of course aware that all internet traffic on the BA network is monitored, not by Asset Protection, but by IT Security.
I presume you have first hand proof that the handful of Asset Protect staff (They are a very small department numbering less than 10) have been photographing cabin crew ? That is, you have photographic evidence of this behaviour, or have been able to challeng the individuals concerned and been able to determine that they are BA employees working in this department ?? If not then I suggest that this is just another bit of galley gossip with no foundation in the truth.
I'm quite prepared to believe that someone in BA is monitoring what is being written on forums about the dispute, however, much of what is written is under pseudonyms. IP addresses may be logged, but ISPs are not of a mind to release such information without a good reason, like a court order. There's a little thing called the Data Protection Act that kinda inhibits such behaviour.
'3) Various well known court cases and injunctions have been instigated against Unite.'
And in all bar one instance, the courts have deemed that Unite have acted illegally - do you think that unions should be able to operate outside the law ??
'4) Money was no object, even the incredibly expensive wet leasing of aircraft, dispersal of revenue to other carriers. The full weight of the corporate machine was behind the 'Backing BA' agenda, no matter what the cost, alternate staff were drafted in from around the globe (VCC’s), all to directly undermine lawful industrial action.'
The vast majority of VCC's have been your colleagues form other departments. Now let's think about this one a bit. Why do you think that so many BA staff volunteered to help ? They weren't being hosed down with buckets of cash. The company didn't hold a gun to anyone's head. These were willing volunteers. The guy who sits in the next desk to me was one of them. A high proportion are union members. Could it possibly be that we reckoned that BASSA were way out of line ? Could it be that we have all made sacrifices over the past few years and saw BASSA lining up to trash the efforts we had made ? BASSA, who had not given up anything and steadfastly refused to negotiate (show of hands ring bells ???) BASSA who jumped for joy and declared '12 Days of Christmas strikes'
'5) The PCCC was created & openly encouraged.'
By cabin crew who had decided that Unite was as much use as a chocolate teapot. BA management would love to deal with a group representing cabin crew who behaved in an adult, rational and businesslike manner - that rules out the current BASSA leadership.
'6) The commissioning of reports, employment of Union busters and the engagement of the American multi-national Baker McKenzie, the second largest law firm in the world as their legal advisors.'
Um... can you prove unequivocally that these people have been hired to provide plans for BA to break unions ? Because unless you can I suggest that your statements are total claptrap. BA employs a number of consultancies from time to time. One of these has been Accenture, who are renowned for providing plans for outsourcing. Does that mean that BA is going to outsource all it's service parts ? No. Because the report that Accenture produced at that time was about streamlining the IT operation.
It is becoming abundantly clear that BASSA are not fit for purpose. They are unable to keep adequate records of their membership. They are unwilling, or unable to consult with their total membership (not the 10% who are able to attend mass meetings) on the direction they should be taking. The leadership have demonstrated their ineptitude in understanding the legal aspects of strike action, as highlighted by the chairperson's advice to members who were leaving the company last year that they were entitled to vote in the strike ballot. I suggest that if BASSA were fit for purpose, then they would have maintained their membership numbers during this dispute. The plain fact that they have lost in excess of 15% of the membership in the space of eight months suggests otherwise. People do not leave unions for no good reason. The uphill task the branch now faces is that it has been discredited in the eyes of many. The best thing that Unite could do is to set up a new branch and close down BASSA.
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Hot towels is an issue which couldn't even be bothered to be mentioned by BA at a meeting with BASSA. That's why the union has advised us since not to deliver it. We are not against service improvement. But, BA need to begin consulting us. If BA had been bothered to mention and discuss it with our union I think you would have found it to be delivered on our flights.
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Hot towels is an issue which couldn't even be bothered to be mentioned by BA at a meeting with BASSA. That's why the union has advised us since not to deliver it. We are not against service improvement. But, BA need to begin consulting us. If BA had been bothered to mention and discuss it with our union I think you would have found it to be delivered on our flights.
a) the task carries any greater risk than that being performed already
b) the task requires any additional training because it is already carried out in the premium cabins
c) the task imposes on crew rest time
It was a simple task that would enhance the customer perception of the WTP product. So why did BA need to consult BASSA ?? Or did BASSA want a sweetener to do the job. A hot towel payment??
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I am literally shaking my head in disbelief at MissM's take on hot towel-gate.
If any further proof were needed that Bassa lives in the dark ages of militant unionism, it is that their followers still believe that it's necessary to have every flipping thing run by them before the company is allowed to do what it wants with it's product and it's employees.
If any further proof were needed that Bassa lives in the dark ages of militant unionism, it is that their followers still believe that it's necessary to have every flipping thing run by them before the company is allowed to do what it wants with it's product and it's employees.