BA Strike - Your Thoughts & Questions II
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Looking at the other thread it looks as though today's meeting is not busy. Seems the inside view of meetings is not just confined to full time officers.
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An extraordinary image indeed. Where are the screaming hordes of hard-core strikers that will bring BA to its knees? It looks more like a retirement party for one of the staff at a small business.
Still, it seems a couple of florists have benefitted from the proceedings.
Still, it seems a couple of florists have benefitted from the proceedings.
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Don't forget the balloons the balloon company must have done well also!
Though it does beg the question about the use of member's subscriptions and the process that authorised that expenditure.
Though it does beg the question about the use of member's subscriptions and the process that authorised that expenditure.
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baggersup,
No Captains are not running any cabin crew briefings and never have unless they were working as the SCCM during the strikes.
During the strike the company asked the flight crew to have a presents in the cabin crew pre-flight briefings. On worldwide some did sit in on the briefings which are done by the SCCM.
In E/F some sat in but most just popped in to say hello as they do now and as they always did before the strike if they are around.
They were more just giving support to the crew working and of course any VCC's and checking we were all happy. During the strike most of us ( C/C and F/C) walked out to the aircraft together but again this was just to give each other support.
No Captains are not running any cabin crew briefings and never have unless they were working as the SCCM during the strikes.
During the strike the company asked the flight crew to have a presents in the cabin crew pre-flight briefings. On worldwide some did sit in on the briefings which are done by the SCCM.
In E/F some sat in but most just popped in to say hello as they do now and as they always did before the strike if they are around.
They were more just giving support to the crew working and of course any VCC's and checking we were all happy. During the strike most of us ( C/C and F/C) walked out to the aircraft together but again this was just to give each other support.
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Westlakes:
From the looks of the rather meager amount you're probably talking about £5.00.
I think it looks rather lemony
On a serious note the photo could mean one of two things:
1. They had a larger room reserved with proper seating and greater capacity but when faced with the meager turnout decided that rather than have images leaked of a predominately empty forum they changed rooms or...
2. BASSA anticipated a low turnout, reserved the small room and ommitted chairs to make the room look busier...though that doesn't explain the "I have to decorate for my kid's 7th birthday party on the cheap" looks to the proceeding.
My guess (and certainly only a guess) is that its "1" due to the fact that the room appears like it was prepared in 5 minutes.
From the looks of the rather meager amount you're probably talking about £5.00.
I think it looks rather lemony
On a serious note the photo could mean one of two things:
1. They had a larger room reserved with proper seating and greater capacity but when faced with the meager turnout decided that rather than have images leaked of a predominately empty forum they changed rooms or...
2. BASSA anticipated a low turnout, reserved the small room and ommitted chairs to make the room look busier...though that doesn't explain the "I have to decorate for my kid's 7th birthday party on the cheap" looks to the proceeding.
My guess (and certainly only a guess) is that its "1" due to the fact that the room appears like it was prepared in 5 minutes.
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Whichever the case may be, it will be interesting to see the spin placed on the event and, of course, the 100% support for something.
Any ideas when the expectant World will get to hear?
Any ideas when the expectant World will get to hear?
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Brendan Gold, Unite's national secretary for civil air transport, said a new ballot was likely due to three outstanding issues: the imposition of changes to work practices; the sacking of 14 crew for alleged offences committed during the ongoing dispute; and the withdrawal of staff travel perks from the estimated 6,700 crew who joined 22 days of walkouts this year.
"We will inevitably have to take an industrial action ballot on these issues," said Gold.
"We will inevitably have to take an industrial action ballot on these issues," said Gold.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/sep/06/union-british-airways-strike-inevitable
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With that comment in the public domain, not only can they be sacked for striking but it's fairly obvious that they can be easily replaced.
I think the phrase "Bring it on" springs to mind.
I think the phrase "Bring it on" springs to mind.
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I have just returned home after two short-haul J-class European flights this morning with British Airways. The first, from a German city to LHR, was a public relations disaster for BA with sour-faced, unhelpful and (in one cabin attendant's case) downright rude service. If that's EF's standard of service these days then I was appalled.
The second - from LGW to JER - was a dream by comparison. The front cabin was packed, but the crew made every passenger feel welcome. How they manage a full meal service in 35 minutes astonishes me every time.
Meanwhile AtlasDrawer, posting in "the other place" reports on a certain conversation:
The moral of my tale: that the BASSA hardliners employed on BA's European Fleet are still convinced that they run the airline, and that they still believe that fare paying passengers are an intrusion in their working lives.
Compare and contrast that pernicious mindset with the positive, can do, attitude of the "Gatwick Gang".
The second - from LGW to JER - was a dream by comparison. The front cabin was packed, but the crew made every passenger feel welcome. How they manage a full meal service in 35 minutes astonishes me every time.
Meanwhile AtlasDrawer, posting in "the other place" reports on a certain conversation:
I recently did a trip with a purser on EF, who told me that a BASSA rep on EF had told her that a Christmas strike was being planned and 'We know we have lost, this strike is just to f@@k the company up' - Their exact words.
Compare and contrast that pernicious mindset with the positive, can do, attitude of the "Gatwick Gang".
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Interesting that Sky news reports from the meeting sight that the most important news to come out of BA this year wasn't the industrial action but the merger with Iberia and the exploring of other aquisitions.
A clear signal that the Board and The Street do not feel that BASSA will not be successful in stopping progress.
A clear signal that the Board and The Street do not feel that BASSA will not be successful in stopping progress.
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Dying to see how many thousands Duncan Donut thinks turned up.....
British Airways cabin crew have voted for a ballot on new strike action in the run-up to Christmas and over the festive holidays, Sky sources say.
Dozens of BA flight attendants met at Kempton Park Racecourse to debate the need for a new strike poll.
Sky sources said that union members had voted to go ahead with the ballot, raising the prospect of major disruption over Christmas.
The vote came as BA boss Willie Walsh announced he had drawn up a shortlist of 12 airlines he is targeting for takeover.
Mr Walsh has refused to name the airlines but they are believed to include budget airlines as well as full-service carriers in Brazil, India and China.
Any additions would be brought under the umbrella of the International Airlines Group, formed by BA's merger with Spain's Iberia carrier.
Mr Walsh announced the shortlist at the launch of a code-sharing agreement with India's Kingfisher airline.
"We have had a number of meetings where we have looked at airlines around the world and identified those that would be attractive to us," he said.
"We want to create a platform for like-minded airlines - those who believe that consolidation is part of the answer for the industry."
He said that no discussions had yet taken place.
BA failed in an attempt to buy Australian flag carrier Qantas in 2008.
Mr Walsh has had a difficult year, due in large to an ongoing dispute with the Unite union.
Cabin crew have held 22 days of strike action since March.
The row started last year over Mr Walsh's plans to cut costs by reducing the number of cabin crew on aircraft.
Dozens of BA flight attendants met at Kempton Park Racecourse to debate the need for a new strike poll.
Sky sources said that union members had voted to go ahead with the ballot, raising the prospect of major disruption over Christmas.
The vote came as BA boss Willie Walsh announced he had drawn up a shortlist of 12 airlines he is targeting for takeover.
Mr Walsh has refused to name the airlines but they are believed to include budget airlines as well as full-service carriers in Brazil, India and China.
Any additions would be brought under the umbrella of the International Airlines Group, formed by BA's merger with Spain's Iberia carrier.
Mr Walsh announced the shortlist at the launch of a code-sharing agreement with India's Kingfisher airline.
"We have had a number of meetings where we have looked at airlines around the world and identified those that would be attractive to us," he said.
"We want to create a platform for like-minded airlines - those who believe that consolidation is part of the answer for the industry."
He said that no discussions had yet taken place.
BA failed in an attempt to buy Australian flag carrier Qantas in 2008.
Mr Walsh has had a difficult year, due in large to an ongoing dispute with the Unite union.
Cabin crew have held 22 days of strike action since March.
The row started last year over Mr Walsh's plans to cut costs by reducing the number of cabin crew on aircraft.
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I don't know whether to be amused at the "Dozens of BA flight attendants met at Kempton Park Racecourse..." that Sky news are reporting, or whether to be extremely depressed that this small number seem intent on causing as much of a nuisance as they can and who cares about their fellow colleagues or the passengers they always used to claim were their focus.
However, I stand by my belief that any strike will be a nuisance at worst and irrelevance at best.
However, I stand by my belief that any strike will be a nuisance at worst and irrelevance at best.
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or whether to be extremely depressed that this small number seem intent on causing as much of a nuisance as they can and who cares about their fellow colleagues or the passengers they always used to claim were their focus.
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A significant number of BA passengers have commented on how good the service was on strike days. Perhaps the wizards in BA's PR department could capitalise on that in case of future IA.
"Your next BA Flight - picket on a strike day."
"Your next BA Flight - picket on a strike day."
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@ Chuchinchow ... hi, good to see you again! Yes, I agree entirely, the LGW-JER service remains an example of what CAN be achieved. I never cease to be amazed at what they can achieve in so short a time. Great crews!
@ STS ... I'm sure The Public will be fully supportive of the actions of the "Dirty Dozens"
I honestly think it's time for a ballot ...
BASSA wants to cause disruption ... 100 votes?
BA Passengers want to fly BA ... 34.5 million votes.
All those in favour? Motion carried
Democracy ... it's a bu66er, isn't it!
@ STS ... I'm sure The Public will be fully supportive of the actions of the "Dirty Dozens"
I honestly think it's time for a ballot ...
BASSA wants to cause disruption ... 100 votes?
BA Passengers want to fly BA ... 34.5 million votes.
All those in favour? Motion carried
Democracy ... it's a bu66er, isn't it!
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Oh dear. It just gets worse for Duncan Donut and the rest of the rabble.
And that bit in bold is obvious for those outside this dispute.
Crucial talks aimed at breaking the deadlocked British Airways cabin crew dispute are set to be held during the TUC Congress next week in an attempt to avert the threat of further strikes, it was revealed today.
Unite's joint leaders Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson are hoping to hold fresh talks with the airline in Manchester, where the annual gathering of hundreds of union activists will be held.
The development emerged today following a meeting of more than 1,000 cabin crew to discuss the bitter row.
The dispute started almost a year ago over cost-cutting but now centres on the removal of travel concessions from union members and disciplinary action against some of those who have been on strike.
The meeting, held at Kempton Park racecourse near London, also voted in favour of holding a new industrial ballot for fresh strikes, which will have to be endorsed by Unite's leaders before it can go ahead.
Many of those attending today's meeting wore yellow ribbons in a show of support for their colleagues who have been sacked or disciplined since a wave of strikes earlier this year.
Unite official Brendan Gold said: "This dispute has not been resolved and is very active, but we are hopeful there will be a meeting in Manchester next week to try to keep on the pressure of negotiations.
"If it is not resolved, we will have another ballot for industrial action, but the emphasis on our side is to try to reach a resolution.
"The number of dismissals among our reps is now in double figures which is a total disgrace. The company is losing hundreds of millions of pounds yet the chief executive (Willie Walsh) is trying to divide his workforce, setting colleagues against each other."
Mr Gold said Unite was preparing to fight the dismissals, including taking cases to employment tribunals.
Meanwhile, Unite said more than 6,000 of its members had applied to the union for strike pay after taking part in the industrial action.
BA has previously declined to give a "running commentary" on the dispute, beyond saying it remained available for talks and was still in contact with the conciliation service Acas.
However, a BA spokesman said: "We continue to be in contact with Unite. We have received no notification of any ballot for industrial action. Unite's crew branch Bassa has been talking about a ballot for the last three months. It does not have the authority to call a ballot.
"It is clear that Bassa does not represent the majority of cabin crew. Only a third of crew supported previous strikes and even fewer voted against our last offer."
Unite's joint leaders Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson are hoping to hold fresh talks with the airline in Manchester, where the annual gathering of hundreds of union activists will be held.
The development emerged today following a meeting of more than 1,000 cabin crew to discuss the bitter row.
The dispute started almost a year ago over cost-cutting but now centres on the removal of travel concessions from union members and disciplinary action against some of those who have been on strike.
The meeting, held at Kempton Park racecourse near London, also voted in favour of holding a new industrial ballot for fresh strikes, which will have to be endorsed by Unite's leaders before it can go ahead.
Many of those attending today's meeting wore yellow ribbons in a show of support for their colleagues who have been sacked or disciplined since a wave of strikes earlier this year.
Unite official Brendan Gold said: "This dispute has not been resolved and is very active, but we are hopeful there will be a meeting in Manchester next week to try to keep on the pressure of negotiations.
"If it is not resolved, we will have another ballot for industrial action, but the emphasis on our side is to try to reach a resolution.
"The number of dismissals among our reps is now in double figures which is a total disgrace. The company is losing hundreds of millions of pounds yet the chief executive (Willie Walsh) is trying to divide his workforce, setting colleagues against each other."
Mr Gold said Unite was preparing to fight the dismissals, including taking cases to employment tribunals.
Meanwhile, Unite said more than 6,000 of its members had applied to the union for strike pay after taking part in the industrial action.
BA has previously declined to give a "running commentary" on the dispute, beyond saying it remained available for talks and was still in contact with the conciliation service Acas.
However, a BA spokesman said: "We continue to be in contact with Unite. We have received no notification of any ballot for industrial action. Unite's crew branch Bassa has been talking about a ballot for the last three months. It does not have the authority to call a ballot.
"It is clear that Bassa does not represent the majority of cabin crew. Only a third of crew supported previous strikes and even fewer voted against our last offer."
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Pot calling kettle?
From the BASSA missive.
Confused? Was Duncan talking about WW or himself here?
decent ordinary crew are losing their livelihoods due to one man’s bullying and intransigence.
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Any sense of reality has long departed from this dispute.
Sadly, the lemmings will chatter until they fall off the cliff.
I feel, seriously, sorry for the vast majority of BA CC who have been tainted by this farce.
Sadly, the lemmings will chatter until they fall off the cliff.
I feel, seriously, sorry for the vast majority of BA CC who have been tainted by this farce.
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Get real, I have not had a pay rise in the last 3 years and unlikely to see one . I consider myself at 56 lucky to still have a job. No chance of moving elsewhere because of the declining jobs situation. Stop acting like spoilt brats you are damn lucky to be in a job.
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From that other thread,
As the so-called strike ran for a total of rather more than ten days, is that not an admission that a large number of strikers went back to work before the strike was over?
It was also reported back that Unite had paid out £2.83m in strike pay to 6,729 striking crew members (average claim 10 days) and that hardship loans had now been granted to all those deemed deserving.