BA Strike - Your Thoughts & Questions
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Having followed all the threads, the apparent number of posters that purport to support Unite with their one liners is fantastic.
That they seem unable to actually answer questions or express an opinion suggests, to me anyway, that they actually know less about the dispute than folk who have taken the time to read up on here.
That they seem unable to actually answer questions or express an opinion suggests, to me anyway, that they actually know less about the dispute than folk who have taken the time to read up on here.
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It is a highly emotionally charged time for everyone - whether they be passengers, BA crew [front and back or on the ground] or the suffering Moderators.
Facts are useful, opinions are less useful.
As this saga unfolds, I actually read less.
Facts are useful, opinions are less useful.
As this saga unfolds, I actually read less.
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I have great respect for both Tightslot and Flaps40 and am sure they are keeping a very close eye on the CC tread.
btw - I do feel that we owe both a huge 'thank you' - they are doing doing a brilliant job under very tryng circumstances, and then they go to work.
Anyone else join me in raising a glass to them both?
btw - I do feel that we owe both a huge 'thank you' - they are doing doing a brilliant job under very tryng circumstances, and then they go to work.
Anyone else join me in raising a glass to them both?
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I'm pleased that the thread's been restricted to current crew too. It was good move.
I've followed this entire saga since early last year as I book BA flights regularly and like to know what's going on.
My impression is that the original reasons for the dispute are now lost in the mists of time and that no-one really knows why they're on strike anymore. Or more importantly, how they think they're going to resolve this.
I still find it very sad that so many hard-working and decent crew members even now are unable or unwilling to see that they are simply being used as fodder in a Union's internal power struggle.
I've followed this entire saga since early last year as I book BA flights regularly and like to know what's going on.
My impression is that the original reasons for the dispute are now lost in the mists of time and that no-one really knows why they're on strike anymore. Or more importantly, how they think they're going to resolve this.
I still find it very sad that so many hard-working and decent crew members even now are unable or unwilling to see that they are simply being used as fodder in a Union's internal power struggle.
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Westlakes:
I would tend to disagree with you. I do not underestimate bacabincrews' ability to analyze information. He is not like other individuals who simply repeat messages ad nauseum.
He/she does, however, know how to play a room.
If I post something that is inaccurate I am more than willing to be called out for it, though I try to have facts and figures to support my representations.
Each of us, for the most part, are able to recognize the parts of the adventure that are black and white, and also recognize the grey.
Those that don't wish to engage outside of their "message" comfort zone are interesting to observe.
I would tend to disagree with you. I do not underestimate bacabincrews' ability to analyze information. He is not like other individuals who simply repeat messages ad nauseum.
He/she does, however, know how to play a room.
If I post something that is inaccurate I am more than willing to be called out for it, though I try to have facts and figures to support my representations.
Each of us, for the most part, are able to recognize the parts of the adventure that are black and white, and also recognize the grey.
Those that don't wish to engage outside of their "message" comfort zone are interesting to observe.
Last edited by Diplome; 29th Mar 2010 at 20:10. Reason: an extra "s"...I was lisping.
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Anyone else join me in raising a glass to them both?
But yes
Diplome
Fair point. The "famed" WWW was also good at the one liner used to divert the threads in different directions.
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Ten West:
Regarding this comment:
I never underestimate the personal pain that many Cabin Crew are experiencing through this time.
It is a hard thing to know, after having your emotions escalated time and time again with "Its us and them" messages, that perhaps it wasn't so. What does one do when they have channelled their energy and thoughts into one direction when doubt is placed. Its a difficult place to be in.
The experiences being had by Cabin Crew and Flight Crew on flights at this time is a perfect example. Flight Crew are, in my opinion, doing everything they can do to enable the Cabin Crew to have a positive future. They are not the enemy...they are advocates.
Change is hard when all you're hearing is the screaming over the loudspeaker.
Regarding this comment:
I still find it very sad that so many hard-working and decent crew members even now are unable or unwilling to see that they are simply being used as fodder in a Union's internal power struggle.
It is a hard thing to know, after having your emotions escalated time and time again with "Its us and them" messages, that perhaps it wasn't so. What does one do when they have channelled their energy and thoughts into one direction when doubt is placed. Its a difficult place to be in.
The experiences being had by Cabin Crew and Flight Crew on flights at this time is a perfect example. Flight Crew are, in my opinion, doing everything they can do to enable the Cabin Crew to have a positive future. They are not the enemy...they are advocates.
Change is hard when all you're hearing is the screaming over the loudspeaker.
Last edited by Diplome; 30th Mar 2010 at 08:08.
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It is a hard thing to know, after having your emotions escalated time and time again with "Its us and them" messages, that perhaps it wasn't so. What does one do when they have channelled their energy and thoughts into one direction when doubt is placed?
One good thing that looks likely to come out of all this though is the increased spirit of camaraderie and the breaking down of the "Them and us" barrier between pilots and cabin crew.
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Ten West They'll get a resignation letter and a direct debit cancellation by return.
(Don't get me wrong, I think Unite/Bassa are creating a lot of damage for no apparent reason outside internal politics - This strike is stupid [Hope I'm allowed to say that])
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West Lakes:
Ah yes, WWW, I recall him fondly.
I actually got a kick out of his posts. I imagined someone nonchalantly having a fruity, sticky sweet cocktail, mulling over exactly what one liner post they could submit that would spin up the room...drafting, changing a word here or there..Ooops that's not quite right, Ah...perfect.
Punching "send" , taking a sip of your drink, and watch the reaction.
You almost have to admire that sort of art
At least I did.
Ah yes, WWW, I recall him fondly.
I actually got a kick out of his posts. I imagined someone nonchalantly having a fruity, sticky sweet cocktail, mulling over exactly what one liner post they could submit that would spin up the room...drafting, changing a word here or there..Ooops that's not quite right, Ah...perfect.
Punching "send" , taking a sip of your drink, and watch the reaction.
You almost have to admire that sort of art
At least I did.
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Mods
Asti Spumante for the Mods, together with the sunshine of Italy. Well done!!!
On another matter, the following post appeared on the CC thread:
Without wanting to put anyone down (Mods please remove if considered too agressive), I too have been thinking that BA would do well by getting rid of the militants, because i do not think being militant could ever be combined with enjoying to serve people, being hospitable, making people feel welcome as a job. To me these are two different and irreconcilable mindsets.
In my mind someone who is militant has long given up on the belief that the above work content matters, and that the only thing that matters is getting as much pay for as long as possible
Am I wrong i this?
On another matter, the following post appeared on the CC thread:
"A part of me really hopes the malignant Bassa militants never return, as they have such a corrosive effect on the workplace."
Now, now - don't get personal you know the forum rules
In fact that post is quite disgusting and intimidatory
Now, now - don't get personal you know the forum rules
In fact that post is quite disgusting and intimidatory
In my mind someone who is militant has long given up on the belief that the above work content matters, and that the only thing that matters is getting as much pay for as long as possible
Am I wrong i this?
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Thank you, Mods, for having this thread allowing us carry on our discussions on the sidelines. That's much appreciated too!
I can understand that. To be completely honest though I'd think the same way whether it was 35p or £35.
The union, to prove a point, is seeking to preserve the outdated terms and conditions of a very tiny minority of BA crew at the expense of everyone else in the company, from pilots to engineers and on downwards. They're risking these people's jobs to do it too. It's not on.
Personally, I'd volunteer to be ****ed with the wrong end of a pineapple before I'd volunteer to hand over one penny of my hard-earned when it's being requested for a "Fighting fund" to allow a handful of people to trough it up and maintain their lifestyles at the expense of the many.
Rant over!
From what I read they will raise 700,000 from 2 million members. That would be 35p each. Your stamp for your letter would be more (I think). I don't think too many would do the same as you.
The union, to prove a point, is seeking to preserve the outdated terms and conditions of a very tiny minority of BA crew at the expense of everyone else in the company, from pilots to engineers and on downwards. They're risking these people's jobs to do it too. It's not on.
Personally, I'd volunteer to be ****ed with the wrong end of a pineapple before I'd volunteer to hand over one penny of my hard-earned when it's being requested for a "Fighting fund" to allow a handful of people to trough it up and maintain their lifestyles at the expense of the many.
Rant over!
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vanHorck:
First, Asti Spumante?? I'm sensing more of a single-malt preference
What may arise out of this engagement is the realization, as much as BASSA have tried to deny, that Flight Crew and Cabin Crew can be partners. They are not at odds with each other, each of them want the best possible result for their airline and their respective professional communities.
If BA is successful the militants will have no choice. They will have to buy in to a more positive and progressive approach, or die on the vine.
First, Asti Spumante?? I'm sensing more of a single-malt preference
What may arise out of this engagement is the realization, as much as BASSA have tried to deny, that Flight Crew and Cabin Crew can be partners. They are not at odds with each other, each of them want the best possible result for their airline and their respective professional communities.
If BA is successful the militants will have no choice. They will have to buy in to a more positive and progressive approach, or die on the vine.
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A sign of the times is how fast its falling off the news pages (clearly good for BA) in the internet world and 24 hour news coverage
Also will UNITE/Bassa and other Unions learn that you need a strategy, plan for the end-game and plan for an exit if it aint going your way. They are coming very close to the point where the next strike will be seen as just boring and completely ignored. And there is nothing worse than being ignored.
Also will UNITE/Bassa and other Unions learn that you need a strategy, plan for the end-game and plan for an exit if it aint going your way. They are coming very close to the point where the next strike will be seen as just boring and completely ignored. And there is nothing worse than being ignored.
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I can not get my head around this
Not just the current BA strike,but all others
BA currently it has cost them £42M or 2800 staff salaries?
They could have left the flights fully crewed without dropping one member of staff (to save money) and be better off?
The same with the recent HMRC strike
I find this bit amazing
They have been revealed as call centre staff not picking up 50% of the calls made
The reaction to improve this is to dismiss and not replace 2000 staff?
They have over four years checked what is called face to face interviews and as a result of the past four years have decided to cut 54 offices due to lack of use Yet only last month started a scheme where 20% of applicants now have to attend a face to face interview
Yes if BA said, as of tomorrow there will be one less staff on each flight
(that would save money) but to lose £42m( 2800 staffs annual income) becomes a nonsence, indeed they could have increased the staffing by one for years
I have posted legal information on another forum and as such remain Neutral
On the other hand IF I do not get to my destination shortly I stand to lose £7k as a no show own fault all lost (I saved for years for this I do not have the time nor the money left to change it ) OK I could borrow money to change travel arrangment and save the loss, Then I am in debt which I would not be able to pay
(Reasons, I have saved for my retirement cruise of a lifetime, paid in full and too late to cancel, now with a state pension would not be able to afford to pay back a loan for alternate travel arrangements even if I COULD get a loan, work fifty years and lose all :-(
Jack McH
BA currently it has cost them £42M or 2800 staff salaries?
They could have left the flights fully crewed without dropping one member of staff (to save money) and be better off?
The same with the recent HMRC strike
I find this bit amazing
They have been revealed as call centre staff not picking up 50% of the calls made
The reaction to improve this is to dismiss and not replace 2000 staff?
They have over four years checked what is called face to face interviews and as a result of the past four years have decided to cut 54 offices due to lack of use Yet only last month started a scheme where 20% of applicants now have to attend a face to face interview
Yes if BA said, as of tomorrow there will be one less staff on each flight
(that would save money) but to lose £42m( 2800 staffs annual income) becomes a nonsence, indeed they could have increased the staffing by one for years
I have posted legal information on another forum and as such remain Neutral
On the other hand IF I do not get to my destination shortly I stand to lose £7k as a no show own fault all lost (I saved for years for this I do not have the time nor the money left to change it ) OK I could borrow money to change travel arrangment and save the loss, Then I am in debt which I would not be able to pay
(Reasons, I have saved for my retirement cruise of a lifetime, paid in full and too late to cancel, now with a state pension would not be able to afford to pay back a loan for alternate travel arrangements even if I COULD get a loan, work fifty years and lose all :-(
Jack McH