BA Strike - Your Thoughts & Questions
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The latest from Unite is that a 20 day strike is on the cards.
BA cabin crew threaten 20-day strike as relationship with unions plummets | Business | The Guardian
BA cabin crew threaten 20-day strike as relationship with unions plummets | Business | The Guardian
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My farfetched theory is that his dismissal is at the behest of Unite. They fear they're about to lose the ballot but they're powerless to do anything as BASSA have the final say. But decapitate BASSA by getting BA to remove the cancer and they have the opportunity to extricate themselves by magnanimously accepting CC opinion.
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I think 20 day strike is just unbelievable after the mess that was the 12 day's of Christmas, how can the unite union not expect the company to go back to court and succeed in blocking this action.
They are openly trying to bring down the airline, one wonders how many of the cabin-crew can actually afford a 20 day strike.
I think if I was in Mr Walsh's shoes I would be looking seriously at going after the union, maybe the airline can make some punitive damages claims against the union based on the disproportionate nature of the action.
I am now feeling glad to have booked my next 4 long haul business class work trips on alternative airlines. Not so for the crew that continue to come to work, but sometimes you just have to look after your own business.
They are openly trying to bring down the airline, one wonders how many of the cabin-crew can actually afford a 20 day strike.
I think if I was in Mr Walsh's shoes I would be looking seriously at going after the union, maybe the airline can make some punitive damages claims against the union based on the disproportionate nature of the action.
I am now feeling glad to have booked my next 4 long haul business class work trips on alternative airlines. Not so for the crew that continue to come to work, but sometimes you just have to look after your own business.
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@ ninja-lewis ... what an interesting perspective!!
But why should the top echelon of Unite care, one way or another?
Election Result ...
Labour win, Unite retain leverage with £££
Tories win, Unite retain leverage through fear.
LibDems win, Unite retain leverage though experience.
Hung Parliament, Unite retain leverage through 'private discussions'.
One vociferous trouble-making cabin crew is nothing, compared with the ability of Unite to run the country [one way or another].
But why should the top echelon of Unite care, one way or another?
Election Result ...
Labour win, Unite retain leverage with £££
Tories win, Unite retain leverage through fear.
LibDems win, Unite retain leverage though experience.
Hung Parliament, Unite retain leverage through 'private discussions'.
One vociferous trouble-making cabin crew is nothing, compared with the ability of Unite to run the country [one way or another].
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Baggersup
Yes, a Conservative government will willingly take on Unite. The unions today wield nothing like the power that they did when Maggie came to power in '79 & remember what she did to them.
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Sadly, Finky, I doubt that 'Dave" is another 'Maggie'.
And the way the various Unions have rolled up into over-arching organisations means that there are endless pressure-points they can apply ... whilst being funded by huge numbers of loyal subscription-payers waiting for their turn at the National Trough.
Ooops, bit political there. Sorry.
And the way the various Unions have rolled up into over-arching organisations means that there are endless pressure-points they can apply ... whilst being funded by huge numbers of loyal subscription-payers waiting for their turn at the National Trough.
Ooops, bit political there. Sorry.
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Where will the next savings come from?
Something that was mentioned fairly often a few weeks (months?) ago was the long time EF cabin crew had to spend in T5 between flights. This was described as a legacy from the days when they could not eat on the aircraft and also had to leave the LHR central area to use a staff restaurant somewhere on the periphery. It was suggested that many crew would welcome the chance to reduced the enforced idleness and thus the length of many working days and that the airline could make significant cost savings from such a reduction. Then the topic seemed to drop out of discussion.
Is my recollection correct, and are Eurofleet savings the next thing to come under the WW microscope, and the next thing to upset (what remains of) the BASSA leadership?
Is my recollection correct, and are Eurofleet savings the next thing to come under the WW microscope, and the next thing to upset (what remains of) the BASSA leadership?
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More clutching at straws from the BASSA website (my bold):
And...
Well he shouldn't have taken time off work when he was told not to, should he? It's a sackable offence in my company, too.
We need to ask for your help..
Today is the last day to have the opportunity to cast your vote and determine your own future.
You stand at a crossroads and the decisions you take in casting your vote will shape both your own and everybody else’s future.
No it’s not in the general election! Its on YOUR trade union website. The decision you make there will affect you far more personally and directly than who ever ends up in Government.
There is an offer on the table. Your union recommends that you do not accept it. Incredibly some people have voted to accept it, which is of course is their choice but it is clear that they have done so without any explanation or understanding of what it will mean to them and everyone else!
So we need your help. If every person who reads this makes just a small effort, talks to just one other person and gets them to vote, the impact will be massive.
Need an example. How about “Monthly travel payment” what’s the motivation behind that?
Simple, it’s a short term diversion to distract you! ….To make you less bothered as your routes and work is moved to new fleet, double nights go, best routes go…. But that’s okay, because for a time you still get your “Monthly payment”
For how long? That’s right it doesn’t say…
Today is the last day to have the opportunity to cast your vote and determine your own future.
You stand at a crossroads and the decisions you take in casting your vote will shape both your own and everybody else’s future.
No it’s not in the general election! Its on YOUR trade union website. The decision you make there will affect you far more personally and directly than who ever ends up in Government.
There is an offer on the table. Your union recommends that you do not accept it. Incredibly some people have voted to accept it, which is of course is their choice but it is clear that they have done so without any explanation or understanding of what it will mean to them and everyone else!
So we need your help. If every person who reads this makes just a small effort, talks to just one other person and gets them to vote, the impact will be massive.
Need an example. How about “Monthly travel payment” what’s the motivation behind that?
Simple, it’s a short term diversion to distract you! ….To make you less bothered as your routes and work is moved to new fleet, double nights go, best routes go…. But that’s okay, because for a time you still get your “Monthly payment”
For how long? That’s right it doesn’t say…
Duncan Holley
Today Duncan Holley BASSA Branch Secretary was sacked from British Airways as a Eurofleet CSD.
This has happened solely because of his other role as the branch secretary of our union and stemmed from a “new” interpretation by cabin crew management surrounding the agreed rights of recognized union officers to be released to undertake union duties over a handful of days in late December, last year.
Duncan is a man that has encompassed the core values of our union for longer than most people can remember!
Something you learn very early as a union rep is that it’s easy to have opinions. It’s less easy to stand up for them. It’s easy to recount what you would tell management to do and where to ‘shove it’ in a bar or restaurant down route. It’s less than easy in real life. Often those that shout the loudest are furthest from the fight.
Duncan Holley was an exception to that rule. He has always had the strongest opinions and principles possible, but at the same time, he was what you would have expected him to be - utterly fearless and unafraid to represent your views to our management, and if they were not prepared to listen, then he would make sure they did.
There are no shades of grey with Duncan. He is “black and white”. If it’s right, it’s right and if it’s wrong, then it’s wrong and he never hesitates to tell anybody who needs to know that.
He inherited those principles from his predecessor Mike Coleman- who was also sacked by British Airways around the time of the 1997 dispute. He inherited a strong union but under his leadership there is no doubt, we are even stronger.
His integrity and strength, but above all courage is second to none. Duncan is a pillar of this union, and without leaders like him, this union would not function.
Despite the huge shadow this has cast over both him and the toll on his family for nearly 6 months, he has never once put his interest above the interest of our members or asked for any extra consideration. If a deal could be found that protected you our members he was content with that, regardless of his own fate. He has always put the interests of something he believes in with all his heart first - he believes that cabin crew are good people, who deserve the best. He does his utmost to try and get that for you - Ultimately it has cost him his job, but being the man he is, he would have it no other way.
People often ask “what has the union ever done for me?”
Take a look at Duncan Holley and you will see exactly what the union and its reps are doing for you! Take a moment and watch the “something inside so strong” video. Reflect on the image of Duncan on a spring morning less than two years ago and see what he has now given for this union. Nobody could have given or sacrificed more, without people like Duncan, we simply would not have a union.
He does not deserve to be treated in this way...
Today Duncan Holley BASSA Branch Secretary was sacked from British Airways as a Eurofleet CSD.
This has happened solely because of his other role as the branch secretary of our union and stemmed from a “new” interpretation by cabin crew management surrounding the agreed rights of recognized union officers to be released to undertake union duties over a handful of days in late December, last year.
Duncan is a man that has encompassed the core values of our union for longer than most people can remember!
Something you learn very early as a union rep is that it’s easy to have opinions. It’s less easy to stand up for them. It’s easy to recount what you would tell management to do and where to ‘shove it’ in a bar or restaurant down route. It’s less than easy in real life. Often those that shout the loudest are furthest from the fight.
Duncan Holley was an exception to that rule. He has always had the strongest opinions and principles possible, but at the same time, he was what you would have expected him to be - utterly fearless and unafraid to represent your views to our management, and if they were not prepared to listen, then he would make sure they did.
There are no shades of grey with Duncan. He is “black and white”. If it’s right, it’s right and if it’s wrong, then it’s wrong and he never hesitates to tell anybody who needs to know that.
He inherited those principles from his predecessor Mike Coleman- who was also sacked by British Airways around the time of the 1997 dispute. He inherited a strong union but under his leadership there is no doubt, we are even stronger.
His integrity and strength, but above all courage is second to none. Duncan is a pillar of this union, and without leaders like him, this union would not function.
Despite the huge shadow this has cast over both him and the toll on his family for nearly 6 months, he has never once put his interest above the interest of our members or asked for any extra consideration. If a deal could be found that protected you our members he was content with that, regardless of his own fate. He has always put the interests of something he believes in with all his heart first - he believes that cabin crew are good people, who deserve the best. He does his utmost to try and get that for you - Ultimately it has cost him his job, but being the man he is, he would have it no other way.
People often ask “what has the union ever done for me?”
Take a look at Duncan Holley and you will see exactly what the union and its reps are doing for you! Take a moment and watch the “something inside so strong” video. Reflect on the image of Duncan on a spring morning less than two years ago and see what he has now given for this union. Nobody could have given or sacrificed more, without people like Duncan, we simply would not have a union.
He does not deserve to be treated in this way...
Last edited by ChicoG; 7th May 2010 at 06:47.
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MPN 11
It look as though my comments about DC are now irrelevant anyway.
From the previous post it strikes me that Bassa are uncertain that they are going to receive a mandate for further industrial action. Maybe the CC have at long last seen the writing on the wall. Fingers crossed for all concerned.
From the previous post it strikes me that Bassa are uncertain that they are going to receive a mandate for further industrial action. Maybe the CC have at long last seen the writing on the wall. Fingers crossed for all concerned.
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My fingers are firmly crossed for the future of BA ... and indeed the Nation.
The £/$ has already reacted; I expect much worse news in the days ahead. Poor Britain.
The £/$ has already reacted; I expect much worse news in the days ahead. Poor Britain.
I wonder when Unite will announce the result? Given that it was an on-line vote, the answer should already be available to them.
Edit: Indeed it was. It seems that the deal has been rejected.
Based on Unite's language to date, they will fail to recommend any offer BA make on the grounds that BA can't be trusted.
Only one possible outcome from now on then - further strikes until SOSR/dismissals.
Edit: Indeed it was. It seems that the deal has been rejected.
Based on Unite's language to date, they will fail to recommend any offer BA make on the grounds that BA can't be trusted.
Only one possible outcome from now on then - further strikes until SOSR/dismissals.
Last edited by Mariner9; 7th May 2010 at 10:04.
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From the Unite web site:BA cabin crew overwhelmingly reject company offer
regards
Unite the union cabin crew employed at British Airways have overwhelmingly rejected the company's offer relating to the current industrial dispute, the union announced today (Friday).
Around 81 per cent of the crew voted against the offer, in line with the union's recommendation. There was a turnout of 71 per cent.
Representatives of the crew will meet with Unite's Joint General Secretaries, Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley, on Monday to discuss next moves in the dispute.
Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley said today: "BA management should take note of their own employees' strong rejection of their offer and immediately address the outstanding concerns.
"They should make no mistake that Unite is fully committed to supporting our members in furthering this dispute if no resolution is found."
ENDS
Around 81 per cent of the crew voted against the offer, in line with the union's recommendation. There was a turnout of 71 per cent.
Representatives of the crew will meet with Unite's Joint General Secretaries, Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley, on Monday to discuss next moves in the dispute.
Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley said today: "BA management should take note of their own employees' strong rejection of their offer and immediately address the outstanding concerns.
"They should make no mistake that Unite is fully committed to supporting our members in furthering this dispute if no resolution is found."
ENDS
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"Ballot" result
Is an "indicative" online ballot recognised in law? Will BA challenge in court?
What are the actual numbers?
Given that the total number of CC is in the region of 12,000 and even by BASSA's figures 3-4,000 lost their ST meaning that the rest would have nothing to gain and everything to lose it would be interesting to see actual numbers.
Any ideas??
What are the actual numbers?
Given that the total number of CC is in the region of 12,000 and even by BASSA's figures 3-4,000 lost their ST meaning that the rest would have nothing to gain and everything to lose it would be interesting to see actual numbers.
Any ideas??
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Clicking on a web link is rather easier than actually striking, giving up your staff travel and further placing the company, and your future employment, in greater jeopardy.
As we saw with the previous strike its support will be unlikely to reflect that of the ballots and BA’s plans will carry on to run the service, by and large, to an acceptable standard during the strike days.
Strikers will become increasingly irrelevant the longer the strike continues..
All hope of getting ST back, in any form, must now be surely lost and any further offers from BA will become increasingly less favourable – which is a bloody same for the crew that were happy to “just work a little harder” when all this began.
I think..!
As we saw with the previous strike its support will be unlikely to reflect that of the ballots and BA’s plans will carry on to run the service, by and large, to an acceptable standard during the strike days.
Strikers will become increasingly irrelevant the longer the strike continues..
All hope of getting ST back, in any form, must now be surely lost and any further offers from BA will become increasingly less favourable – which is a bloody same for the crew that were happy to “just work a little harder” when all this began.
I think..!
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The start of this all going wrong for the BASSA was back in December when they made the ludicrous decision to go for a 12 day strike over the Christmas holidays. The comments they made were so out of tune with the thinking of customers that they lost any sympathy from the folks who truly are key to making the airline possible - the passengers. At this point many/most of us who are frequent flyers are keen to see the striking CC sacked. We have NO sympathy for their position and do not respect them in the least. In fact, I will be much more willing to fly with BA in the future if WW is able to clean house.
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I will be much more willing to fly with BA in the future if WW is able to clean house.
Last edited by Snas; 7th May 2010 at 11:15. Reason: to add the word please...!
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In fact, I will be much more willing to fly with BA in the future if WW is able to clean house.
Still, if 81% of 71% of a proportion of cabin crew reject the offer and want to go on strike, let them.
It is increasingly apparent the BA consider the antagonistic BASSA lemmings to be expendable - the irony is that they are racing to the cliff edge of their own volition (or by virtue of being brainwashed and gullible).