BA Strike - Your Thoughts & Questions
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sabotage
from ` another place`
``
Just spoken to a colleague... she brought back a flight the day after the "breather day". She left LHR on a strike day. When they boarded the aircraft for the return sector, they were all shocked to find that all tea and coffee bags had been torn, sugar sachets torn and emptied, eye wash removed, liquor bars were virtually empty (including back-ups) and threatening notes hidden in the jumpseats.
I would well believe this.
Similar things on the flight that I operated back on.
We had the bonus of playing Challenge Anneka around the aircraft to remove the Stickers adorned in every toilet/mirror/bulkhead with the phrase "Brutish Airways"
Lovely
``
This, sadly , is typical of the `bassa` lot!
In the past we have had stickers pro BASSA on aircraft and stupid things happening like crew emptying out every unopened bottle of wine or champagne and throwing it away.
Never though has it extended to safety equipment being tampered with.
There is a simple way to deal with this.
If on taking over an aircaft and bars are empty or bond find empty bars (more than usual) then the whole crew should be interviewed and searched on return to base.Similarly any aircraft found adorned with stickers.There is a procedure for this in place but rarely if ever used.
Anyone with anti-company stickers on their person or in their baggage should be invited to appear an be interviewed by their manager and their commitment to their job and the company questioned.
I would also ban BASSA lanyards and baggage labels.
Just as another reminder as to who these people actually work for!!
It seems typical when put alongside the behaviour taunts chants an postings of striking crew.
``
Just spoken to a colleague... she brought back a flight the day after the "breather day". She left LHR on a strike day. When they boarded the aircraft for the return sector, they were all shocked to find that all tea and coffee bags had been torn, sugar sachets torn and emptied, eye wash removed, liquor bars were virtually empty (including back-ups) and threatening notes hidden in the jumpseats.
I would well believe this.
Similar things on the flight that I operated back on.
We had the bonus of playing Challenge Anneka around the aircraft to remove the Stickers adorned in every toilet/mirror/bulkhead with the phrase "Brutish Airways"
Lovely
``This, sadly , is typical of the `bassa` lot!
In the past we have had stickers pro BASSA on aircraft and stupid things happening like crew emptying out every unopened bottle of wine or champagne and throwing it away.
Never though has it extended to safety equipment being tampered with.
There is a simple way to deal with this.
If on taking over an aircaft and bars are empty or bond find empty bars (more than usual) then the whole crew should be interviewed and searched on return to base.Similarly any aircraft found adorned with stickers.There is a procedure for this in place but rarely if ever used.
Anyone with anti-company stickers on their person or in their baggage should be invited to appear an be interviewed by their manager and their commitment to their job and the company questioned.
I would also ban BASSA lanyards and baggage labels.
Just as another reminder as to who these people actually work for!!
It seems typical when put alongside the behaviour taunts chants an postings of striking crew.
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If the reports of onboard sabotage are even remotely true, IMHO that plane is no longer a transport mechanism needing a crew of cleaners--it's a crime scene. If there isn't police tape around it until a full forensic analysis has been done, then BA has lost the plot. Not to mention customers.
We pax have sat by trying to be supportive and not let the militants win and assumed BA will keep things safe, section away the worst of the militants who might be heading into even greater damaging behavior--and not just to the airline's PR effort, either.
Understandably, due process with employees must be confidential.
However, if Mr. Walsh does not come out very soon with a video or email to the pax saying point blank that the culprits of such behavior will never again be on an airplane he manages--some of us are out of there. There is a breaking point for supportive pax---and emptying oxygen bottles, trashing galleys, removing safety items like eye wash and so forth is that breaking point for me anyway.
As a FF pax I really feel the need for some strong assurances--now. Unless somebody has left the premises in handcuffs, I'm not reassured.
Sorry, but perhaps it's time for a handcuffed perp walk through the CRC to drive home the seriousness of this. Tongue in cheek suggestion? Perhaps. But anything less than WW addressing these emerging rumors publicly, and we pax are going to be pretty wary that this alleged onboard sabotage is being dealt with.
I think we need to hear something from Mr. Walsh.
We pax have sat by trying to be supportive and not let the militants win and assumed BA will keep things safe, section away the worst of the militants who might be heading into even greater damaging behavior--and not just to the airline's PR effort, either.
Understandably, due process with employees must be confidential.
However, if Mr. Walsh does not come out very soon with a video or email to the pax saying point blank that the culprits of such behavior will never again be on an airplane he manages--some of us are out of there. There is a breaking point for supportive pax---and emptying oxygen bottles, trashing galleys, removing safety items like eye wash and so forth is that breaking point for me anyway.
As a FF pax I really feel the need for some strong assurances--now. Unless somebody has left the premises in handcuffs, I'm not reassured.
Sorry, but perhaps it's time for a handcuffed perp walk through the CRC to drive home the seriousness of this. Tongue in cheek suggestion? Perhaps. But anything less than WW addressing these emerging rumors publicly, and we pax are going to be pretty wary that this alleged onboard sabotage is being dealt with.
I think we need to hear something from Mr. Walsh.
Do customers get a choice?
I have booked a BA flight for later this Summer. As a "valued" customer, am I allowed any choices.........?
1. I would like to fly on a plane that has not been sabotaged. Can I choose to do that?
2. I would like to fly on a plane with BA CC who were NOT strikers. Can I choose to do that??.
If I can't make those choices, it'll be back to Virgin, I think.
Regular readers will know that I am critical of BA's managers, but for once I would like someone in BA management to answer my 2 simple questions.....
(pigs and flying come to mind............)
1. I would like to fly on a plane that has not been sabotaged. Can I choose to do that?
2. I would like to fly on a plane with BA CC who were NOT strikers. Can I choose to do that??.
If I can't make those choices, it'll be back to Virgin, I think.
Regular readers will know that I am critical of BA's managers, but for once I would like someone in BA management to answer my 2 simple questions.....
(pigs and flying come to mind............)
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Courtesy of ian100 at FlyerTalk:
From today's Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2...e-willie-walsh
The last paragraph reveals that he is still supporting those Cabin Crew who kept the flag flying.
From today's Guardian:
British Airways' chief executive, Willie Walsh, today declared the latest day of strike action by cabin crew "a failure", citing the number of passengers who had successfully taken flights despite the trade union Unite's plan to ground all planes.
"Unite have failed to ground British Airways, and we are continuing to fly and we are continuing to work," Walsh said, speaking on the sidelines of the annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association in Berlin.
Walsh said the airline had stuck to its pledge and flown thousands of passengers on Sunday, despite the strike. "Yesterday we flew over 72,000 customers on a day of strike by Unite and, as I say, they have failed," he said. "They have failed in their efforts."
Walsh refused to comment on the state of negotiations between BA and Unite, saying he had "given a commitment not to speak publicly about the discussions that have taken place, and I intend to honour that".
He refused to respond to reports that Tony Woodley, the joint Unite general secretary and a key negotiator in the strike, had chosen to go on holiday to Cyprus with his wife on Saturday, immediately prior to the industrial action, a decision that received widespread criticism. In turn, Unite members criticised Walsh for deciding to travel to Berlin rather than stay in London, at such a crucial time.
Walsh said: "This is business as usual, and I'm continuing to do what is right for British Airways in running the business." He stressed that the airline was still open to talk to Unite "at any stage".
"They will bring an end to their industrial action on the 9 June," he said. "We are available to talk to them at any stage. I've got plenty of people in my team who can sit down and talk to Unite if there are any people there to talk to. But for BA it's very much business as usual."
Members of Unite will remain on strike until Wednesday but the union has said it is prepared to hold a fresh ballot if agreement is not reached soon. The dispute centres on travel concessions that have been withdrawn from BA employees who have been involved in strike action. It could lead to lengthy disruptions over the busy summer months.
Asked at what point BA would be prepared to cave in to Unite's demands if the costs of the strike became unmanageable, Walsh said: "There is no trade-off in this. This is about ensuring that British Airways has a cost base that is in line with our competitors. This is about the future viability of the airline." He added: "We have been absolutely clear: we intend to continue to make progress on our cost base. We can do that in many different ways."
He remained adamant that travel concessions would remain unavailable for strikers. "The concessions are for those who show loyalty to the company, not those who try to damage its profits," he said.
"Unite have failed to ground British Airways, and we are continuing to fly and we are continuing to work," Walsh said, speaking on the sidelines of the annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association in Berlin.
Walsh said the airline had stuck to its pledge and flown thousands of passengers on Sunday, despite the strike. "Yesterday we flew over 72,000 customers on a day of strike by Unite and, as I say, they have failed," he said. "They have failed in their efforts."
Walsh refused to comment on the state of negotiations between BA and Unite, saying he had "given a commitment not to speak publicly about the discussions that have taken place, and I intend to honour that".
He refused to respond to reports that Tony Woodley, the joint Unite general secretary and a key negotiator in the strike, had chosen to go on holiday to Cyprus with his wife on Saturday, immediately prior to the industrial action, a decision that received widespread criticism. In turn, Unite members criticised Walsh for deciding to travel to Berlin rather than stay in London, at such a crucial time.
Walsh said: "This is business as usual, and I'm continuing to do what is right for British Airways in running the business." He stressed that the airline was still open to talk to Unite "at any stage".
"They will bring an end to their industrial action on the 9 June," he said. "We are available to talk to them at any stage. I've got plenty of people in my team who can sit down and talk to Unite if there are any people there to talk to. But for BA it's very much business as usual."
Members of Unite will remain on strike until Wednesday but the union has said it is prepared to hold a fresh ballot if agreement is not reached soon. The dispute centres on travel concessions that have been withdrawn from BA employees who have been involved in strike action. It could lead to lengthy disruptions over the busy summer months.
Asked at what point BA would be prepared to cave in to Unite's demands if the costs of the strike became unmanageable, Walsh said: "There is no trade-off in this. This is about ensuring that British Airways has a cost base that is in line with our competitors. This is about the future viability of the airline." He added: "We have been absolutely clear: we intend to continue to make progress on our cost base. We can do that in many different ways."
He remained adamant that travel concessions would remain unavailable for strikers. "The concessions are for those who show loyalty to the company, not those who try to damage its profits," he said.
The last paragraph reveals that he is still supporting those Cabin Crew who kept the flag flying.
I agree Baggers.
For BA to regain my confidence, the militants have to be removed. They only sure way seems to be to dismiss all strikers. If that takes a few "innocent but misguided" striking CC out too then that's too bad. It could even be argued that by continuing in this crazy action and failing to resign from BASSA despite some despicable behaviour, "innocent" crew are guilty by association in any event.
For BA to regain my confidence, the militants have to be removed. They only sure way seems to be to dismiss all strikers. If that takes a few "innocent but misguided" striking CC out too then that's too bad. It could even be argued that by continuing in this crazy action and failing to resign from BASSA despite some despicable behaviour, "innocent" crew are guilty by association in any event.
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Ancient Observer:
Rather than an on-line forum you might best expect a response from BA if you were to contact them directly.
You might prefer, as 99% of us would prefer, to fly with only non-striking individuals but I don't believe that is a realistic demand.
Rather than an on-line forum you might best expect a response from BA if you were to contact them directly.
You might prefer, as 99% of us would prefer, to fly with only non-striking individuals but I don't believe that is a realistic demand.
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Reading on the other thread about the alleged stuff that is being done on the aircraft has finally put the nail in the coffin for me as far as flying BA..
I never ever thought I would say it...but enough is enough, time to seek other airlines to accommodate myself and my family on our regular flights..
of course the decision was almost made after the previous flights recently taken, (sent in a formal complaint to BA with no response to date) the fact that I actually had food poisoning from food more than likely consumed on the flight...and now reading what I am reading!!!!!enough is enough!! whats the song or phrase 'so long it's been good to know you'
I never ever thought I would say it...but enough is enough, time to seek other airlines to accommodate myself and my family on our regular flights..
of course the decision was almost made after the previous flights recently taken, (sent in a formal complaint to BA with no response to date) the fact that I actually had food poisoning from food more than likely consumed on the flight...and now reading what I am reading!!!!!enough is enough!! whats the song or phrase 'so long it's been good to know you'
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I agree Baggers.
For BA to regain my confidence, the militants have to be removed. They only sure way seems to be to dismiss all strikers. If that takes a few "innocent but misguided" striking CC out too then that's too bad. It could even be argued that by continuing in this crazy action and failing to resign from BASSA despite some despicable behaviour, "innocent" crew are guilty by association in any event.
For BA to regain my confidence, the militants have to be removed. They only sure way seems to be to dismiss all strikers. If that takes a few "innocent but misguided" striking CC out too then that's too bad. It could even be argued that by continuing in this crazy action and failing to resign from BASSA despite some despicable behaviour, "innocent" crew are guilty by association in any event.
tin hat on
Regarding the vandalism. If it is indeed such a widespread problem. Then the aircraft should be checked before departure from LHR as being 'clean'. On arrival at the destination they should be rechecked, prior to crew disembarkation, by the station manager (or duty officer/ground engineer). If any vandalism is found then suspend the crew (individual or multiple) subject to displinary action. Simple, make an example of a few and it will soon stop.
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Originally Posted by Diplome
You might prefer, as 99% of us would prefer, to fly with only non-striking individuals but I don't believe that is a realistic demand.
I continue to book BA flights for work because on certain routes they're our preferred carrier, but I can tell you with 100% certainty that I won't be booking them for myself any more. Not until long after all this is sorted out at the very least.
Why should I? Sure, I support those who didn't allow their airline to be destroyed as a by-product of a Union power struggle, but I've rather lost confidence in BA now.
If they're actually going to allow these saboteurs back onto their flights and then allow them to continue their personal vendetta against the airline and anonymous passengers, then I'd rather take my money elsewhere to be perfectly honest.
I couldn't give a monkey's about tea and coffee sachets, stickers and the like myself. I'm sure the good cabin crew members will rectify that situation easily enough and little "comfort" items like that are a non-issue for me, but how long until some clown starts damaging stuff like life jackets or walkaround bottles or masks?
No, I like BA well enough, but if their boss doesn't have the stones to make an example of these people then I'll book somewhere else thanks all the same.
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Sabotage
I think that one shouldn't get too carried away by a couple of isolated reports of aircraft or on board equipment being sabotaged. They are islolated incidents & can easily be controlled by the captain being the last person to leave the aircraft accompanied by the senior CC member having completed a quick inspection of the aircraft interior.
For those who experience any surly or impolite on board service then request a crew comments form for completion. From personal experience they always elicit a prompt response from BA.
Tenwest;
Are you really going to forsake all of those 1000s of BA Miles?
For those who experience any surly or impolite on board service then request a crew comments form for completion. From personal experience they always elicit a prompt response from BA.
Tenwest;
Are you really going to forsake all of those 1000s of BA Miles?
Last edited by fincastle84; 7th Jun 2010 at 16:43.
A lawful withdrawal of labour is one thing Litebulbs, but as you are well aware the conduct of Unite/BASSA has gone well past that. Many of their actions have questionable legality.
If they had conducted themselves with dignity through this process there would have been no PR requirement for BA to "deal" with them.
However, through the conduct of BASSA/Unite during this dispute, customers need convincing that we will not be flying with CC who exercise such poor judgement that they consider it acceptable to behave in a manner witnessed over the last few months.
Failing to deal with the strikers would discrimanate against all the remaining skilled, loyal, hard working BA employees in my view. I don't think that would be an unreasonable approach to take, should it come to be argued in Court.
If they had conducted themselves with dignity through this process there would have been no PR requirement for BA to "deal" with them.
However, through the conduct of BASSA/Unite during this dispute, customers need convincing that we will not be flying with CC who exercise such poor judgement that they consider it acceptable to behave in a manner witnessed over the last few months.
Failing to deal with the strikers would discrimanate against all the remaining skilled, loyal, hard working BA employees in my view. I don't think that would be an unreasonable approach to take, should it come to be argued in Court.
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BA appear to be dealing with individuals who have crossed BA's line with regard to inappropriate behaviour. What you appear to be suggesting is that anybody who has withdrawn there labour, should be dismissed.
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I will still likely fly BA if i could be assured there would be no disruption, and i mean long term, i generally book months in advance. And whilst in the past on rare occasions i have let thngs slide, i don't think i would be inclined to do so again.
What i would do if i was WW would be to institute a secret flyer program, not just in First/Business but in cattle class too.
Dibs on first application
What i would do if i was WW would be to institute a secret flyer program, not just in First/Business but in cattle class too.
Dibs on first application
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BA appear to be dealing with individuals who have crossed BA's line with regard to inappropriate behaviour. What you appear to be suggesting is that anybody who has withdrawn there labour, should be dismissed.
I doubt BA will go that far, this is a company that's never so much as made anyone compulsorily redundant (as a collection of delighted and substantially richer Voluntary Severance ex-staff will testify), but if they did, I rather doubt there'd be much in the way of sympathy across a swathe of opinion.
You have to ask how the employee group got itself in such a mess that as a collective their colleagues start talking about "hating" them and so on. Comments like that get jumped on, and rightly so; washing your dirty linen in public is a bad idea, on here but the fact it is happening at all is notable.
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Questionable Legality
What was referred to as "Questionable Legality" in a previous post is, quite simply, a criminal act, and deserves to be treated as such.
In a 'prior incarnation,' as Captain, after an international flight, I always made a thorough inspection of the aircraft, accompanied by our Flight Engineer, because he knew far more about likely hiding places than me. On one flight, we found a large package in an empty bin addressed to someone who was not on board. With my FE as a witness, I took it straight to the Senior Customs Officer. He opened it to find parts of a copy (but lethal) M16 Rifle. He called the Police and had the addressee investigated, charged and thrown into clink.
Although not quite so dramatic, BA Captains should, in the present circumstances, take similar precautions and have any miscreants face the full process of the law.
In a 'prior incarnation,' as Captain, after an international flight, I always made a thorough inspection of the aircraft, accompanied by our Flight Engineer, because he knew far more about likely hiding places than me. On one flight, we found a large package in an empty bin addressed to someone who was not on board. With my FE as a witness, I took it straight to the Senior Customs Officer. He opened it to find parts of a copy (but lethal) M16 Rifle. He called the Police and had the addressee investigated, charged and thrown into clink.
Although not quite so dramatic, BA Captains should, in the present circumstances, take similar precautions and have any miscreants face the full process of the law.
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What i would do if i was WW would be to institute a secret flyer program, not just in First/Business but in cattle class too.
Litebulbs...each and every striker should understand that the VAST majority of BA's customers would absolutely choose to never fly with them.
They have made it obvious they have no respect for BA, their co-workers and themselves. The comment made by a BASSA LEADER regarding using guerilla tactics was simply too much.
Given the fact the flying public, which they wish to reassure, would support such measures, here's hoping BA and the professional crew come down HARD on each and every individual case of sabotage, intimidation, etc..
No tolerance regarding these militants would go a long way in confirming BA's commitment to their customers.
My "questionable legality" comment earlier was not intended to relate to any sabotage incidents - I am sure that if any of these arose as described on here, they will be properly dealt with using normal, robust disciplinary procedures.
However, I was referring to the overall conduct of BASSA/Unite, including outright lies to the media that undoubtedly affected customer confidence in the airline and made thousands of customers worry unduly over their travel plans.
In my view, sacking all the strikers is indeed what many (or pehaps most) customers expect BA to do if they are to regain confidence in the airline.
PS to Litebulbs: Grounds for dismissal could simply be collectively bringing the Company into disrepute on the basis of the conduct of BASSA/Unite through this dispute
However, I was referring to the overall conduct of BASSA/Unite, including outright lies to the media that undoubtedly affected customer confidence in the airline and made thousands of customers worry unduly over their travel plans.
In my view, sacking all the strikers is indeed what many (or pehaps most) customers expect BA to do if they are to regain confidence in the airline.
PS to Litebulbs: Grounds for dismissal could simply be collectively bringing the Company into disrepute on the basis of the conduct of BASSA/Unite through this dispute