BA Strike - Your Thoughts & Questions
Join Date: Mar 2010
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Loyalty is a fragile thing - I'm hanging on in there for the moment, with faith in the great majority of CC and VCC to deliver my imminent flights.
However, there may come a point where living with endless uncertainty, and experiencing degraded standards of service, simply says "Time to go". I don't really want that to happen, but the whole scenario is making me an 'unhappy bunny'.
However, there may come a point where living with endless uncertainty, and experiencing degraded standards of service, simply says "Time to go". I don't really want that to happen, but the whole scenario is making me an 'unhappy bunny'.
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K3lvc
Presumably this is 81% of the 71% of those who are still union members (unknown number but less than it used to be). Doesn't seem particularly representative 
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Okay let's do the math.
If the membership was 10,049 as stated and the turnout was 71% then the number of actual voters was 7,135. The number of those rejecting the offer is said to be 81% which means 5,779 BASSA members voted NO to BA's offer.
The number of NO voters represents 57.5% of the BASSA membership. That's hardly an overwhelming majority.
If the membership was 10,049 as stated and the turnout was 71% then the number of actual voters was 7,135. The number of those rejecting the offer is said to be 81% which means 5,779 BASSA members voted NO to BA's offer.
The number of NO voters represents 57.5% of the BASSA membership. That's hardly an overwhelming majority.
Did Unite "push" DH??
On the question of DH's departure, whilst sackings of bad shop stewards have come about at the insistence of senior TU officials, it is unlikely in this case due to the public nature of the dispute and the vigilance of the far-left.
However, the TU National Official, and the Gen Secs will probably have known the outcome before DH.
No surprises is rule no. 1 in ER.
I still think that bassa members are being perfectly logical and sensible - all this kerfuffle will end soon, and bassa will be restored to its natural position as effective Bosses of BA CC.
The world has not changed much, and 30 years of "bassa rules ok" isn't going to change overnight..............Fire most of the CC managers, and most of the first line supervisors, (known as csd in BA) and things might change.
However, the TU National Official, and the Gen Secs will probably have known the outcome before DH.
No surprises is rule no. 1 in ER.
I still think that bassa members are being perfectly logical and sensible - all this kerfuffle will end soon, and bassa will be restored to its natural position as effective Bosses of BA CC.
The world has not changed much, and 30 years of "bassa rules ok" isn't going to change overnight..............Fire most of the CC managers, and most of the first line supervisors, (known as csd in BA) and things might change.
I haven't a clue how this electronic poll works so was wondering if it is subject to audit at all. Do we simply accept that BASSA say 81% voted against the proposal or is it verified independently? I'm not suggesting for one minute that they have got the figures wrong, but their track record for telling the truth does tend to sow these seeds of doubt.
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ExecClubPax
The number of NO voters represents 57.5% of the BASSA membership. That's hardly an overwhelming majority.
Moving away from politics; it sadly looks as though BA & its' long suffering pax are going to be subjected to even more uncertainty, based on what must be considered to be a very dubious on line ballot.
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Based on some numbers I've heard, I would think WW will try for a near 100% long haul from LHR (plus LGW and LCY as happened last time). As for SH - how many aircraft do Ryanair still have parked in PIK?
Ll
Ll
Join Date: Mar 2010
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BA's profit lies in LH with premium pax.
I suspect the temporary loss of some of the routes connecting to LHR and LGW would cause little short-term grief, as they are largely loss-making anyway. At the same time, some pax might discover what LoCo really feels like.
I suspect the temporary loss of some of the routes connecting to LHR and LGW would cause little short-term grief, as they are largely loss-making anyway. At the same time, some pax might discover what LoCo really feels like.
Paxing All Over The World
With any luck, some of the CC will read this on the BBC:
Yes, I know there will be changes down the line but that's called life.
Let us hope that there is a big offset between voting and working.
British Airways defended the offer and said: "Unlike other businesses and airlines, we have avoided compulsory redundancies. Cabin crew face no pay cut or reduction in terms and conditions - and remain the best rewarded in the UK airline industry."
Let us hope that there is a big offset between voting and working.
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CC strike looming again
What a pity to see a great airline embroiled in so much dispute. I recall the TAP had a similar problem some years ago. One evening (at midnight if I recall) they closed the company and re-opened in the morning as Air Portugal with everyone needing to reapply for their jobs. Good bye union problems!
WW has a mandate from his board to make a profit. He has to be hard on any threats from their (overpaid) CC. More power to him. Unfortunately as a regular longhaul traveller - with no ID90 benefits despite 30 years in the industry - I have moved all my bookings to Emirates. I bet there are many like me despite our loyalty to the flag carrier (sorry Richard Branson but BA are still the UK flag carrier
).
Let's hope WW fires the problem people and get's the airline back on track quickly.
WW has a mandate from his board to make a profit. He has to be hard on any threats from their (overpaid) CC. More power to him. Unfortunately as a regular longhaul traveller - with no ID90 benefits despite 30 years in the industry - I have moved all my bookings to Emirates. I bet there are many like me despite our loyalty to the flag carrier (sorry Richard Branson but BA are still the UK flag carrier
).Let's hope WW fires the problem people and get's the airline back on track quickly.
Paxing All Over The World
(sorry dudleydick but BA are privatised and NOT the nation's carrier in the way that was understood for many years. Any, and all, UK carriers can 'carry the flag' by painting it on their a/c 
).
).
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PAXboy. That well may be, but certainly for myself and I suspect, a goodly number of folks planet wide the name "British Airways" carries a connotation of seniority that will not be easily overcome by other less emotive handles, such as "Virgin", "Ryan", what have you, no matter what flags they paint on their aircraft.
- Peter.
- Peter.
Paxing All Over The World
Thread drift
pj67coll Yes, I understand that, I was just being rather pedantic. I know that the definition of 'national' has changed in the way that many words change their definition. A hundred years ago, countries had 'their' steamship company and then we had airlines and, until something else comes along, we shall have 'national' airlines!
For me, having lived in several countries predominantly UK and being British, I do not have a bias towards this country. I tend to look internationally and any of those exhortations to 'buy British' and so on, pass me by. One friend of mine insists that he is English that the main problem with Gordon Brown was that he was 'foreign' and should not have been in charge of the country. I find that view bemusing.
Now back to the the nation's favourite airline ...
pj67coll Yes, I understand that, I was just being rather pedantic. I know that the definition of 'national' has changed in the way that many words change their definition. A hundred years ago, countries had 'their' steamship company and then we had airlines and, until something else comes along, we shall have 'national' airlines!
For me, having lived in several countries predominantly UK and being British, I do not have a bias towards this country. I tend to look internationally and any of those exhortations to 'buy British' and so on, pass me by. One friend of mine insists that he is English that the main problem with Gordon Brown was that he was 'foreign' and should not have been in charge of the country. I find that view bemusing.
Now back to the the nation's favourite airline ...
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I am waiting with great anticipation for the next announcements from Unite over IA. I am booked J-Class at the end of the month to YVR and am desperately concerned that what is planned to be special trip is going to be ruined.
This will be the third occasion that my plans are threatened by BA CC. A few years ago when I was entitled to get ID80s through my father, threatened action by CC 2 days before my flight lead to all staff travel being cancelled. It cost me a fortune to get an last minute alternative. Then it was Xmas 09 that was under threat, but that as we all know was avoided much to my families relief. For some reason I remained loyal and booked my YVR flight in Jan, although I had a feeling I'd regret the move.
I can empathise with CC to some extent where changes in working practices are enforced, but for the most part BA CC had nothing to moan about, no pay cut, no changes in terms and conditions or pensions. It seems to me that this has been blown completely out of all proportion to the extent that Unite/BASSA simply cannot admit this is wrong and back down. It's beyond the point of no return and this stand off is going to end in tears. BA will carry on with or without what appears to be the minority striking members.
I work from a large US corporate and my benefits have been cut heavily and I'll lose over 15% of my package next year. And that's from a company making $ millions, not a loss company like BA. If anything I have more to complain about that BA CC. I am paying the penalty of the board striving to cut cost whilst keeping the shareholders happy and taking huge bonuses themselves. Am I annoyed? Hell yeah, but industrial action is wrong and right now I'd rather be employed.
I really have had enough of this and will certainly think long and hard before booking with BA again.
This will be the third occasion that my plans are threatened by BA CC. A few years ago when I was entitled to get ID80s through my father, threatened action by CC 2 days before my flight lead to all staff travel being cancelled. It cost me a fortune to get an last minute alternative. Then it was Xmas 09 that was under threat, but that as we all know was avoided much to my families relief. For some reason I remained loyal and booked my YVR flight in Jan, although I had a feeling I'd regret the move.
I can empathise with CC to some extent where changes in working practices are enforced, but for the most part BA CC had nothing to moan about, no pay cut, no changes in terms and conditions or pensions. It seems to me that this has been blown completely out of all proportion to the extent that Unite/BASSA simply cannot admit this is wrong and back down. It's beyond the point of no return and this stand off is going to end in tears. BA will carry on with or without what appears to be the minority striking members.
I work from a large US corporate and my benefits have been cut heavily and I'll lose over 15% of my package next year. And that's from a company making $ millions, not a loss company like BA. If anything I have more to complain about that BA CC. I am paying the penalty of the board striving to cut cost whilst keeping the shareholders happy and taking huge bonuses themselves. Am I annoyed? Hell yeah, but industrial action is wrong and right now I'd rather be employed.
I really have had enough of this and will certainly think long and hard before booking with BA again.
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Interesting that there is no big BA press offensive on the rejection of the offer and the proposed 20 day strike - just a muted "we are disappointed....."
Thats not the response of a company that doesn't have a plan and an end game.....
Thats not the response of a company that doesn't have a plan and an end game.....
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The Times
Article in Mondays Times Cash-rich BA union threatens travel chaos over half-term holidays - Times Online
BA should offer new contracts to all CC based on the present terms that are on the table. Any who refuse to sign will then be seen to have resigned. This will allow BA to employ many thousands of new and keen individuals who actually want to work.
Regards
BA should offer new contracts to all CC based on the present terms that are on the table. Any who refuse to sign will then be seen to have resigned. This will allow BA to employ many thousands of new and keen individuals who actually want to work.
Regards
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An extra £700k does not make Unite "cash rich". If there is to be yet more litigation, £700k is peanuts when it comes to legal fees.
If strike dates are announced tomorrow, WW should just go
nuclear.
If strike dates are announced tomorrow, WW should just go
nuclear.
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If strike dates are announced tomorrow, WW should just go nuclear.
Come on Willie, get rid of these wasters and make BA the airline to fly once more.
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I am with Chico G
I really hope that Willie Walsh goes for the nuclear option and my decison on whether to use BA will depend upon it; if he gives in he looses mine and my companies business.