BA Strike - Your Thoughts & Questions
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(Although strictly a personal tax liability, BA chooses to pick up the tax bill on behalf of both employees and pensioners and settles this with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs every year.")
Does BA do this at the employee's marginal rate of income tax or on a pre arranged basis with the revenue authority or if not on those basis, then on what agreement do they have. There has to be a difference between travel on BA incurred about as a positioning to work and travel solely for recreation on the part of the employee or the employee's nominated proxy. Is the benefit cumulative and even large enough take the value of a salary in to the 40% tax bracket.
So WW plays a clever waiting game while the conference is on, presumably making the hope that the union themselves will throw BASSA out. At the same time, if he does not give way on the travel perks, he must save BA a fortune in tax money. There's a bit of the pension fund problems still to come?
Does BA do this at the employee's marginal rate of income tax or on a pre arranged basis with the revenue authority or if not on those basis, then on what agreement do they have. There has to be a difference between travel on BA incurred about as a positioning to work and travel solely for recreation on the part of the employee or the employee's nominated proxy. Is the benefit cumulative and even large enough take the value of a salary in to the 40% tax bracket.
So WW plays a clever waiting game while the conference is on, presumably making the hope that the union themselves will throw BASSA out. At the same time, if he does not give way on the travel perks, he must save BA a fortune in tax money. There's a bit of the pension fund problems still to come?
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Diplome - You're welcome!
So, following on from Len McCluskey we seem now to be hearing significantly less of Tony Woodley's involvement as the TUC guy (Len Barber is it?) stepped in to conduct the negotiations with Willie Walsh last Friday instead. Looks like the Unite leaders are continuing to jump ship away from the BA dispute especially in view of the images they wish to portray to their broader membership at their conference in Manchester next week.
TW & DS not showing up to meet their loyal members at Bedfont as scheduled for last Monday afternoon was a bad move as it will have left strikers asking "Are the leaders I am sticking my neck out for really batting for me or not?" This would have been a turning point away from the Union for many.
DS would do much better if he looked more professional by wearing a tie and showed a more respectful attitude towards his clearly very worthy opponent rather than the somewhat disheveled and unrestrained performances that he continues to give to the press.
But this monumental power struggle has never been about negotiation from the start as Willie Walsh has known all along. It's interesting to hear DS and others stuttering the words "regime change" more often as even they are finally admitting to themselves what it is really all about.
So, following on from Len McCluskey we seem now to be hearing significantly less of Tony Woodley's involvement as the TUC guy (Len Barber is it?) stepped in to conduct the negotiations with Willie Walsh last Friday instead. Looks like the Unite leaders are continuing to jump ship away from the BA dispute especially in view of the images they wish to portray to their broader membership at their conference in Manchester next week.
TW & DS not showing up to meet their loyal members at Bedfont as scheduled for last Monday afternoon was a bad move as it will have left strikers asking "Are the leaders I am sticking my neck out for really batting for me or not?" This would have been a turning point away from the Union for many.
DS would do much better if he looked more professional by wearing a tie and showed a more respectful attitude towards his clearly very worthy opponent rather than the somewhat disheveled and unrestrained performances that he continues to give to the press.
But this monumental power struggle has never been about negotiation from the start as Willie Walsh has known all along. It's interesting to hear DS and others stuttering the words "regime change" more often as even they are finally admitting to themselves what it is really all about.
Last edited by Phil Rigg; 31st May 2010 at 00:58.
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(Although strictly a personal tax liability, BA chooses to pick up the tax bill on behalf of both employees and pensioners and settles this with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs every year.")
Does BA do this at the employee's marginal rate of income tax or on a pre arranged basis with the revenue authority or if not on those basis, then on what agreement do they have. There has to be a difference between travel on BA incurred about as a positioning to work and travel solely for recreation on the part of the employee or the employee's nominated proxy. Is the benefit cumulative and even large enough take the value of a salary in to the 40% tax bracket.
So WW plays a clever waiting game while the conference is on, presumably making the hope that the union themselves will throw BASSA out. At the same time, if he does not give way on the travel perks, he must save BA a fortune in tax money. There's a bit of the pension fund problems still to come?
Does BA do this at the employee's marginal rate of income tax or on a pre arranged basis with the revenue authority or if not on those basis, then on what agreement do they have. There has to be a difference between travel on BA incurred about as a positioning to work and travel solely for recreation on the part of the employee or the employee's nominated proxy. Is the benefit cumulative and even large enough take the value of a salary in to the 40% tax bracket.
So WW plays a clever waiting game while the conference is on, presumably making the hope that the union themselves will throw BASSA out. At the same time, if he does not give way on the travel perks, he must save BA a fortune in tax money. There's a bit of the pension fund problems still to come?
There is a maximum of 2 bookable tickets a year, if someone has 20 years service or more, 1 after 5 years.
The standby tickets make a profit as BA get 10% where they would otherwise get nothing, I would expect the tax cost of the bookable tickets is covered from the profit on the standby tickets.
Positioning to work would be standby only, as no one would have enough bookable tickets to use them for work. As said above and in previous posts, standby tickets do not attract tax as they cost BA nothing.
BA management and the unions have agreed a solution to the pension fund shortfall, simply put, work longer/pay more, it is awaiting ratification from the pensions authority.
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"Key Players" - according to the BBC
BBC News - BA strike: The three men trying to find a solution
I noticed there was no mention of Duncan Holley. Clearly the BBC considers him of no importance.
I noticed there was no mention of Duncan Holley. Clearly the BBC considers him of no importance.
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Mr. Rigg:
Again, thank you so much for kindly providing the link.
I found the Simpson interview interesting on a few fronts.
His comment which I believe was "Wake up Britain"...is a direct response to the fact that Unite know that they do not have the support of the "man in the street" and are trying to find talking points to gain traction in that arena.
Simpson's offer to negotiate "in front of cameras" was another blatant attempt by Unite/BASSA to play to the average citizen. The obvious problem with this message is that they are having it delivered by Mr. "Can I text about my lunch selection" Simpson who is already discredited with the public regarding his need for publicity. Might have played well but they chose the wrong messenger.
Simpson's frustration regarding BA's lack of urgency regarding meetings (though BA stated, and will, meet with them in Manchester if they are agreeable) was probably genuine.
Unite/BASSA have backed BA into a position where BA's best option may be, while continuing to be available for negotiations, to just continue with their business plan. All of the panic, all of the disagreement, is at the moment between Unite and BASSA. Unite cannot promise to deliver this extremist factions votes for any agreement. The Press is getting this message, BA has GOT that message.
When Simpson states that his members will not come back "punished" he's speaking directly regarding BASSA's militant faction's message. Unfortunately, they may have lost control of their destiny.
I'm finding this all most intruiging and have lost all sympathy for the striking cabin crew. You can only stay so ignorant for so long...then you just become an accessory.
...and please forgive my length of post. I blame it one the second cocktail
Again, thank you so much for kindly providing the link.
I found the Simpson interview interesting on a few fronts.
His comment which I believe was "Wake up Britain"...is a direct response to the fact that Unite know that they do not have the support of the "man in the street" and are trying to find talking points to gain traction in that arena.
Simpson's offer to negotiate "in front of cameras" was another blatant attempt by Unite/BASSA to play to the average citizen. The obvious problem with this message is that they are having it delivered by Mr. "Can I text about my lunch selection" Simpson who is already discredited with the public regarding his need for publicity. Might have played well but they chose the wrong messenger.
Simpson's frustration regarding BA's lack of urgency regarding meetings (though BA stated, and will, meet with them in Manchester if they are agreeable) was probably genuine.
Unite/BASSA have backed BA into a position where BA's best option may be, while continuing to be available for negotiations, to just continue with their business plan. All of the panic, all of the disagreement, is at the moment between Unite and BASSA. Unite cannot promise to deliver this extremist factions votes for any agreement. The Press is getting this message, BA has GOT that message.
When Simpson states that his members will not come back "punished" he's speaking directly regarding BASSA's militant faction's message. Unfortunately, they may have lost control of their destiny.
I'm finding this all most intruiging and have lost all sympathy for the striking cabin crew. You can only stay so ignorant for so long...then you just become an accessory.
...and please forgive my length of post. I blame it one the second cocktail
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I'm finding this all most intruiging and have lost all sympathy for the striking cabin crew. You can only stay so ignorant for so long...then you just become an accessory.
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Observations from a pax
Saturday I received both email and Royal Mail, a letter from UNITE the UNION
We appreciate your membership, though our records show you have not paid this current year, Please pay up NOW
I have never been a member of UNITE, I was however a member of AMICUS about TEN years ago When I resigned as I was no longer an engineer and of the totally usless help I got when I once needed them
Amicus were some time later taken over by or amalgameted with UNITE
Now they want my subs (What would that be for ?)
Over on the other place they are up in arms about the safety of flying with vcc,
Well I feel a Qualified Pilot, would have no problem pushing a dolly trolley, and serving me a cuppa, and I am sure that in an emergency they would be well qualified in evacuation procedures, which is a bit unnecessary as most of us would be dead anyway
However I would not feel quite so secure with a trolley dolly covering for the Pilot
Note for Cabin crew, anyone can push a trolley up and down, be polite and serve tea/coffee Anyone fucoffee, and be numerate enough to collect the correct cost and provide the correct change when flogging DF's
You do I agree have to be a brain cell higher than the average CHAV to learn the correct emergency procedures HEY even I managed at 15years old when I joined the Royal Navy as air crew, including as the Junior rate to make tea coffee and Jacobs cream crackers with cheese triangles for 30 oppos
Hundreds indeed thousands of qualified CC working for £12k for EJ RA and a dozen more airlines would be more than happy for £13k no perks, NOT forgetting our EU A8 National Friends who would do it for £6k
I have just completed six BA flights non strike days Dubai/Heathrow/Edin
They were very good, though the stress of not knowing if I was going to actualy meet my cruise ships for a couple of months was unforgivable
I have advised UNITE that I will not be paying my subs as I left the union over ten years ago
Jack McHammocklashing
We appreciate your membership, though our records show you have not paid this current year, Please pay up NOW
I have never been a member of UNITE, I was however a member of AMICUS about TEN years ago When I resigned as I was no longer an engineer and of the totally usless help I got when I once needed them
Amicus were some time later taken over by or amalgameted with UNITE
Now they want my subs (What would that be for ?)
Over on the other place they are up in arms about the safety of flying with vcc,
Well I feel a Qualified Pilot, would have no problem pushing a dolly trolley, and serving me a cuppa, and I am sure that in an emergency they would be well qualified in evacuation procedures, which is a bit unnecessary as most of us would be dead anyway
However I would not feel quite so secure with a trolley dolly covering for the Pilot
Note for Cabin crew, anyone can push a trolley up and down, be polite and serve tea/coffee Anyone fucoffee, and be numerate enough to collect the correct cost and provide the correct change when flogging DF's
You do I agree have to be a brain cell higher than the average CHAV to learn the correct emergency procedures HEY even I managed at 15years old when I joined the Royal Navy as air crew, including as the Junior rate to make tea coffee and Jacobs cream crackers with cheese triangles for 30 oppos
Hundreds indeed thousands of qualified CC working for £12k for EJ RA and a dozen more airlines would be more than happy for £13k no perks, NOT forgetting our EU A8 National Friends who would do it for £6k
I have just completed six BA flights non strike days Dubai/Heathrow/Edin
They were very good, though the stress of not knowing if I was going to actualy meet my cruise ships for a couple of months was unforgivable
I have advised UNITE that I will not be paying my subs as I left the union over ten years ago
Jack McHammocklashing
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Judging from some comments elsewhere, I think many CC may have now learned the hard way that a vote in favour of industrial action should be just that - a vote to say I am prepared to withdraw my labour with all the consequences that entails and nothing else.
It was repeated many times during the ballot process that CC voted in favour of industrial action to "send WW a message" or to "bring WW back to the negotiating table". That has clearly failed. The union has also taken the mandate for industrial action and wreaked havoc with it, calling the 12 days of Christmas strike, calling the March strikes even though WW allowed an extension to the strike deadline to let CC be balloted on the offer on the table and now the 20 day strike action which seems to be collapsing 6 days into the 15 days of actual strike action.
I really hope for everyone's sake that BA is able to recover from this both financially and in terms of customer service.
It was repeated many times during the ballot process that CC voted in favour of industrial action to "send WW a message" or to "bring WW back to the negotiating table". That has clearly failed. The union has also taken the mandate for industrial action and wreaked havoc with it, calling the 12 days of Christmas strike, calling the March strikes even though WW allowed an extension to the strike deadline to let CC be balloted on the offer on the table and now the 20 day strike action which seems to be collapsing 6 days into the 15 days of actual strike action.
I really hope for everyone's sake that BA is able to recover from this both financially and in terms of customer service.
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Why NOT
Start the new Airline, and recruit the non striking staff at enhanced payment (a pound) with all the perks but new conditions, Serve sixty pax instead of fifty for CC all others Pilots etc same original conditions
End BA and pay off all the staff
I do not mean abuse the staff, on recent flights, they were not exactly overworked. Though do not make changes that are abusive
I do have experience of this, in present employment
There were six doing the work, which reasonably could be done by four, without breaking sweat, just actually having to work
Unfortunatley they dropped it to two, which has become possible but a damn hard graft, HMRC, possible but causing stress as non stop work eight hours a day every second two 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute unpaid lunch £16k
ie:- take the clients details and work it, file it and take a two minute recovery before next client
Now take the clients details and work it, file it and take the next clients details, constant non stop for eight hours, no chance to speak to collegues for even one second
That is abuse of staff!
With four, it would be take details file it take a breath, recover then next client
It appears BA are taking the 8 staff and dropping it to five NOT 6 to 2
Though you have to beware of the thin end of the wedge, That would be when strike action needs to be looked at if they decide two
Jack McH
End BA and pay off all the staff
I do not mean abuse the staff, on recent flights, they were not exactly overworked. Though do not make changes that are abusive
I do have experience of this, in present employment
There were six doing the work, which reasonably could be done by four, without breaking sweat, just actually having to work
Unfortunatley they dropped it to two, which has become possible but a damn hard graft, HMRC, possible but causing stress as non stop work eight hours a day every second two 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute unpaid lunch £16k
ie:- take the clients details and work it, file it and take a two minute recovery before next client
Now take the clients details and work it, file it and take the next clients details, constant non stop for eight hours, no chance to speak to collegues for even one second
That is abuse of staff!
With four, it would be take details file it take a breath, recover then next client
It appears BA are taking the 8 staff and dropping it to five NOT 6 to 2
Though you have to beware of the thin end of the wedge, That would be when strike action needs to be looked at if they decide two
Jack McH
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Times on-line: Strikes are a minefield - for both sides of the dispute - Times Online
hmm food for BASSA thought?
“In practice, it’s not difficult to create a tick-box list for a trade union to follow. And, what’s more, we have been living with this legislation for 18 years. If you can’t get your systems right after all this time then you should really look seriously at yourself.”
Moreover, as Lock emphasises, the deal works both ways. Provided a trade union jumps through the hoops prescribed in the legislation, it has a defence against the charge of doing something illegal — namely inciting its members to act in breach of their contracts of employment.
Without that defence the union could face severe penalties. So, in effect, there is trade-off. Follow the slightly complicated rules designed to ensure transparency and in return you will be protected by the law.
Moreover, as Lock emphasises, the deal works both ways. Provided a trade union jumps through the hoops prescribed in the legislation, it has a defence against the charge of doing something illegal — namely inciting its members to act in breach of their contracts of employment.
Without that defence the union could face severe penalties. So, in effect, there is trade-off. Follow the slightly complicated rules designed to ensure transparency and in return you will be protected by the law.
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Whilst the points made in the Times article are interesting, it's worth bearing in mind that the article is not wholly free of bias. The three firms of solicitors quoted in the article have substantial practices advising employers on employment law, and their views appear to reflect that. I imagine that you would get a rather different slant from firms which traditionally represent the unions.
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Legal Battle
As the first ballot protected period draws to a close this battle will be headed towards the courts again. When BA start sending out either sacking notices or even just down-sizing redundancy notices to remove the extreme and disruptive Union employees the lawyers will be summonsed on both sides to lock horns. My understanding is that DH is currently preparing an appeal.
One of Willie Walsh's biggest problems is he will stand accused during the current striking phase of negotiating in bad faith as he is walking the tightrope appearing to negotiate in good faith to an amicable resolution while all the time following the private agenda of regime change.
The courts view people who negotiate in bad faith as always wearing the black hat in any dispute and in his somewhat blinkered and inexperienced way this may be what DS is fumbling to highlight in his appeal for the current negotiations to be on public display.
As Diplome says absolutely "intruiging".
One of Willie Walsh's biggest problems is he will stand accused during the current striking phase of negotiating in bad faith as he is walking the tightrope appearing to negotiate in good faith to an amicable resolution while all the time following the private agenda of regime change.
The courts view people who negotiate in bad faith as always wearing the black hat in any dispute and in his somewhat blinkered and inexperienced way this may be what DS is fumbling to highlight in his appeal for the current negotiations to be on public display.
As Diplome says absolutely "intruiging".
Last edited by Phil Rigg; 31st May 2010 at 08:11.
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disagree
I Have to disagree with Phil's comment
"One of Willie Walsh's biggest problems is he will stand accused during the current striking phase of negotiating in bad faith as he is walking the tightrope appearing to negotiate in good faith to an amicable resolution while all the time following the private agenda of regime change."
Yes he has an agenda he wants change (as do the rest of BA) Do not forget the rest of BA have to come to agreements regarding change. I think what is now becoming apparent is that bassa do not and while UNITE are negotiating and comeing to aggreements..these agreements then have to go by bassa who up until now have said "NO" to everything.
Even haveing a show of hands ballot for " no negotiation"
"One of Willie Walsh's biggest problems is he will stand accused during the current striking phase of negotiating in bad faith as he is walking the tightrope appearing to negotiate in good faith to an amicable resolution while all the time following the private agenda of regime change."
Yes he has an agenda he wants change (as do the rest of BA) Do not forget the rest of BA have to come to agreements regarding change. I think what is now becoming apparent is that bassa do not and while UNITE are negotiating and comeing to aggreements..these agreements then have to go by bassa who up until now have said "NO" to everything.
Even haveing a show of hands ballot for " no negotiation"
bASSA
What I don't think has been mentioned in these discussions is the wonderful opportunity BASSA has presented, on a plate, to BA and its loyal staff.
There are few situations in business where a serious problem does not present at least some opportunity for advantage and here it is.
This strike by SOME cc has galvanised the vast majority of BA staff into united action to overcome as much of the problem as is possible, to wit, volunteers from within the company training to do the jobs of the strikers, is that without precedent in recent IR history ? One would have thought that could be no clearer message to the strikers that they are going to lose.
Now, with all of this cohesive action within BA to overcome, as far as is possible, this IA at a time of huge losses in exceptionally difficult business conditions, the BA management needs to harness this new team spirit which I would liken to the Blitz, or Dunkirk spirit. How its done is up to the HR experts but what an opportunity !
If, indeed, this new spirit can be retained and used to the advantage of the company and its employees the risk is that it could be undermined by sour, bitter, ex strikers returning and tarnishing the new accord creating a very difficult working environment, totally alien to the needs of a customer service industry. That, I would argue, would be totally counterproductive, so the ONLY answer is to dismiss all current strikers and replace them with fresh, enthusiastic new blood, theres plenty around and many, many excellent cabin crew already within BA who will benefit both with a better working environment and many promotions.
We have the Olympics coming in 2 years, a new government who seem to recognise economic reality, this really is a time to relaunch a fresh, vibrant BA to again show the world what we CAN do and take a top position in world air transport and return to profitability. The opportunity is here let it not be wasted.
.....and who cares if the strikers finish up stacking shelves at Aldi (doubt if Tesco would employ them !) if they lose their jobs it is entirely of their own making.
So come on Willy, sack them all ASAP, and rebuild BA as we knew it.
I, too, am backing BA, as a shareholder and with my cheque book, SYD-LHR next Saturday in Club, again, should be interesting !
PS Whilst figures have been released, or the media have reported, about the direct cost to BA of this IR DURING the strike periods I dread to think about the cost to future bookings or the degradation of the BA brand image.
Time for serious action before ITS TOO LATE !
There are few situations in business where a serious problem does not present at least some opportunity for advantage and here it is.
This strike by SOME cc has galvanised the vast majority of BA staff into united action to overcome as much of the problem as is possible, to wit, volunteers from within the company training to do the jobs of the strikers, is that without precedent in recent IR history ? One would have thought that could be no clearer message to the strikers that they are going to lose.
Now, with all of this cohesive action within BA to overcome, as far as is possible, this IA at a time of huge losses in exceptionally difficult business conditions, the BA management needs to harness this new team spirit which I would liken to the Blitz, or Dunkirk spirit. How its done is up to the HR experts but what an opportunity !
If, indeed, this new spirit can be retained and used to the advantage of the company and its employees the risk is that it could be undermined by sour, bitter, ex strikers returning and tarnishing the new accord creating a very difficult working environment, totally alien to the needs of a customer service industry. That, I would argue, would be totally counterproductive, so the ONLY answer is to dismiss all current strikers and replace them with fresh, enthusiastic new blood, theres plenty around and many, many excellent cabin crew already within BA who will benefit both with a better working environment and many promotions.
We have the Olympics coming in 2 years, a new government who seem to recognise economic reality, this really is a time to relaunch a fresh, vibrant BA to again show the world what we CAN do and take a top position in world air transport and return to profitability. The opportunity is here let it not be wasted.
.....and who cares if the strikers finish up stacking shelves at Aldi (doubt if Tesco would employ them !) if they lose their jobs it is entirely of their own making.
So come on Willy, sack them all ASAP, and rebuild BA as we knew it.
I, too, am backing BA, as a shareholder and with my cheque book, SYD-LHR next Saturday in Club, again, should be interesting !
PS Whilst figures have been released, or the media have reported, about the direct cost to BA of this IR DURING the strike periods I dread to think about the cost to future bookings or the degradation of the BA brand image.
Time for serious action before ITS TOO LATE !
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Mr. Rigg:
Unfortunately for Unite/BASSA in my opinion, there are a few facts that will make it difficult for Duncan Holley to win on appeal (IF he appeals and I'm not sure he will) and for Unite to assert that BA has negotiated in bad faith.
Mr. Holley freely admitted in a radio interview that he made the specific choice to not show up for rostered duty...several times. He stated that he knew he was in violation of company policy but that he felt that his Union duties were more important.
Mr. Holley also revealed that he took his pension prior to the start of the strikes.
A reasonable individual could assert that Mr. Holley's actions were deliberate, made with forethought, and that Mr. Holley knew his actions would result in his dismissal.
Unite/BASSA have handed BA an excellent defense to any "bad faith" allegation.
Despite Simpson's rhetoric BA has made itself available time and time again for negotiations. In fact, Mr. Simpson's multiple assertions that BA refuse to meet, when Unite knows full well that is not the case, can be used as a defense for BA.
Mr. Simpson's stream of texts during the negotiations reveal what most professionals would identify as a gross disrespect for both the negotiation process, its contents, and participants. Try as they might to belittle this event it was a horrendously stupid stunt by Mr. Simpson and the public condemnation he has received should give him some indication of the damage he has done to his image.
The protestors appearance at the negotiation session may still come into play. You can be assurred that BA is looking into how they discovered the location of the meeting, what was communicated to them by the BASSA member who addressed them immediately prior to their appearance, and if any BASSA members were in attendence at their "protest".
The dysfunction between Unite and BASSA is an obvious roadblock to a solution in this instance. BASSA and Unite can assert a "super secret agenda of regime change" by BA but unless they can come up with documentation all they have is conjecture...much like the 20 planes at Cardiff.
Without a paper trail showing specific intent I wouldn't give an assertion by Unite of "bad faith" a snowball's chance in hades.
Unfortunately for Unite/BASSA in my opinion, there are a few facts that will make it difficult for Duncan Holley to win on appeal (IF he appeals and I'm not sure he will) and for Unite to assert that BA has negotiated in bad faith.
Mr. Holley freely admitted in a radio interview that he made the specific choice to not show up for rostered duty...several times. He stated that he knew he was in violation of company policy but that he felt that his Union duties were more important.
Mr. Holley also revealed that he took his pension prior to the start of the strikes.
A reasonable individual could assert that Mr. Holley's actions were deliberate, made with forethought, and that Mr. Holley knew his actions would result in his dismissal.
Unite/BASSA have handed BA an excellent defense to any "bad faith" allegation.
Despite Simpson's rhetoric BA has made itself available time and time again for negotiations. In fact, Mr. Simpson's multiple assertions that BA refuse to meet, when Unite knows full well that is not the case, can be used as a defense for BA.
Mr. Simpson's stream of texts during the negotiations reveal what most professionals would identify as a gross disrespect for both the negotiation process, its contents, and participants. Try as they might to belittle this event it was a horrendously stupid stunt by Mr. Simpson and the public condemnation he has received should give him some indication of the damage he has done to his image.
The protestors appearance at the negotiation session may still come into play. You can be assurred that BA is looking into how they discovered the location of the meeting, what was communicated to them by the BASSA member who addressed them immediately prior to their appearance, and if any BASSA members were in attendence at their "protest".
The dysfunction between Unite and BASSA is an obvious roadblock to a solution in this instance. BASSA and Unite can assert a "super secret agenda of regime change" by BA but unless they can come up with documentation all they have is conjecture...much like the 20 planes at Cardiff.
Without a paper trail showing specific intent I wouldn't give an assertion by Unite of "bad faith" a snowball's chance in hades.
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What I don't think has been mentioned in these discussions is the wonderful opportunity BASSA has presented, on a plate, to BA and its loyal staff.
There are few situations in business where a serious problem does not present at least some opportunity for advantage and here it is.
This strike by SOME cc has galvanised the vast majority of BA staff into united action to overcome as much of the problem as is possible, to wit, volunteers from within the company training to do the jobs of the strikers, is that without precedent in recent IR history ? One would have thought that could be no clearer message to the strikers that they are going to lose.
Now, with all of this cohesive action within BA to overcome, as far as is possible, this IA at a time of huge losses in exceptionally difficult business conditions, the BA management needs to harness this new team spirit which I would liken to the Blitz, or Dunkirk spirit. How its done is up to the HR experts but what an opportunity !
If, indeed, this new spirit can be retained and used to the advantage of the company and its employees the risk is that it could be undermined by sour, bitter, ex strikers returning and tarnishing the new accord creating a very difficult working environment, totally alien to the needs of a customer service industry. That, I would argue, would be totally counterproductive, so the ONLY answer is to dismiss all current strikers and replace them with fresh, enthusiastic new blood, theres plenty around and many, many excellent cabin crew already within BA who will benefit both with a better working environment and many promotions.
We have the Olympics coming in 2 years, a new government who seem to recognise economic reality, this really is a time to relaunch a fresh, vibrant BA to again show the world what we CAN do and take a top position in world air transport and return to profitability. The opportunity is here let it not be wasted.
.....and who cares if the strikers finish up stacking shelves at Aldi (doubt if Tesco would employ them !) if they lose their jobs it is entirely of their own making.
So come on Willy, sack them all ASAP, and rebuild BA as we knew it.
I, too, am backing BA, as a shareholder and with my cheque book, SYD-LHR next Saturday in Club, again, should be interesting !
PS Whilst figures have been released, or the media have reported, about the direct cost to BA of this IR DURING the strike periods I dread to think about the cost to future bookings or the degradation of the BA brand image.
Time for serious action before ITS TOO LATE !
There are few situations in business where a serious problem does not present at least some opportunity for advantage and here it is.
This strike by SOME cc has galvanised the vast majority of BA staff into united action to overcome as much of the problem as is possible, to wit, volunteers from within the company training to do the jobs of the strikers, is that without precedent in recent IR history ? One would have thought that could be no clearer message to the strikers that they are going to lose.
Now, with all of this cohesive action within BA to overcome, as far as is possible, this IA at a time of huge losses in exceptionally difficult business conditions, the BA management needs to harness this new team spirit which I would liken to the Blitz, or Dunkirk spirit. How its done is up to the HR experts but what an opportunity !
If, indeed, this new spirit can be retained and used to the advantage of the company and its employees the risk is that it could be undermined by sour, bitter, ex strikers returning and tarnishing the new accord creating a very difficult working environment, totally alien to the needs of a customer service industry. That, I would argue, would be totally counterproductive, so the ONLY answer is to dismiss all current strikers and replace them with fresh, enthusiastic new blood, theres plenty around and many, many excellent cabin crew already within BA who will benefit both with a better working environment and many promotions.
We have the Olympics coming in 2 years, a new government who seem to recognise economic reality, this really is a time to relaunch a fresh, vibrant BA to again show the world what we CAN do and take a top position in world air transport and return to profitability. The opportunity is here let it not be wasted.
.....and who cares if the strikers finish up stacking shelves at Aldi (doubt if Tesco would employ them !) if they lose their jobs it is entirely of their own making.
So come on Willy, sack them all ASAP, and rebuild BA as we knew it.
I, too, am backing BA, as a shareholder and with my cheque book, SYD-LHR next Saturday in Club, again, should be interesting !
PS Whilst figures have been released, or the media have reported, about the direct cost to BA of this IR DURING the strike periods I dread to think about the cost to future bookings or the degradation of the BA brand image.
Time for serious action before ITS TOO LATE !
I switch off
..every time the strike is on BBC news: no point being misinformed ! However, is this strike still about 'imposition' ? Haven't heard the word for a while.
You must be a striker/sympathiser if you did not understand the comparison !
Tesco, UK largest retailer with 4000 plus outlets and FY 2009 profits, 3bn, greater than BA.s share capitalisation, (2.7Bn today) a chunk of the drop in that valuation due to striker's (in)action.
Aldi, 400 UK outlets, profit not known but probably WAY less than Tesco. Aldi is a well run business filling a niche market BUT not in the same league as Tesco.
Chav city for Tesco, its financial performance suggests otherwise !
Tesco, UK largest retailer with 4000 plus outlets and FY 2009 profits, 3bn, greater than BA.s share capitalisation, (2.7Bn today) a chunk of the drop in that valuation due to striker's (in)action.
Aldi, 400 UK outlets, profit not known but probably WAY less than Tesco. Aldi is a well run business filling a niche market BUT not in the same league as Tesco.
Chav city for Tesco, its financial performance suggests otherwise !
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Tony Woodley has just announced that a new ballot for further strike action will take place shortly.
Unite's Tony Woodley Warns BA Of 'Needless' Summer Strikes By Cabin Crew With A New Vote Due Soon | UK News | Sky News
Unite's Tony Woodley Warns BA Of 'Needless' Summer Strikes By Cabin Crew With A New Vote Due Soon | UK News | Sky News