BA Strike - Your Thoughts & Questions IV
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Forecast - This Dispute will end around Q4/2011
Why ????
Because that is when DH & LaLa have the ability to draw their union pension - how do I know this - because DH stated this in one of his posts about 18 months ago.
He will not change anything at present except to insure that no agreement is reached - hence when Woodley issued the last offer from BA for members approval, stating that this was the best that could be negotiated - which included the caveat from BA that the offer stood good for 90 days, provided no IA was called for - DH immediately issued a call for IA, listing proposed strike dates, which led to BA withdrawing the offer.
Woodley then issued a statement that as BASSA did not agree with the offer, neither would Unite. All of which argues that BASSA is not a normal branch operation.
The reason DH does not wish to reach any agreement, is that around 2009, BASSA altered its own rule book to state that when there is a dispute on, no elections for any positions in BASSA will be held until the dispute is over, also that BASSA will have sole authority to agree a dispute. As a result neither he nor LaLa can be replaced as officers, no reps can be appointed to replace those who have left for any reason, this is why he called for volunteer unpaid reps some while ago and of course, nobody can call a motion to cancel the pensions of himself and LaLa, before they commence - nor challenge any statements made or actions taken - stalemate!!
In the meantime about the only thing that prospers are the Toma-toes.
Should anyone feel that this is being very harsh on BASSA, DH or LaLa, may I suggest that you simply get a copy of the BASSA (not Unite) regulations and branch minutes from beginning of 2009 to date and check - also read all of DH's posts on these two threads over the same period, although a number have now been deleted.
Because that is when DH & LaLa have the ability to draw their union pension - how do I know this - because DH stated this in one of his posts about 18 months ago.
He will not change anything at present except to insure that no agreement is reached - hence when Woodley issued the last offer from BA for members approval, stating that this was the best that could be negotiated - which included the caveat from BA that the offer stood good for 90 days, provided no IA was called for - DH immediately issued a call for IA, listing proposed strike dates, which led to BA withdrawing the offer.
Woodley then issued a statement that as BASSA did not agree with the offer, neither would Unite. All of which argues that BASSA is not a normal branch operation.
The reason DH does not wish to reach any agreement, is that around 2009, BASSA altered its own rule book to state that when there is a dispute on, no elections for any positions in BASSA will be held until the dispute is over, also that BASSA will have sole authority to agree a dispute. As a result neither he nor LaLa can be replaced as officers, no reps can be appointed to replace those who have left for any reason, this is why he called for volunteer unpaid reps some while ago and of course, nobody can call a motion to cancel the pensions of himself and LaLa, before they commence - nor challenge any statements made or actions taken - stalemate!!
In the meantime about the only thing that prospers are the Toma-toes.
Should anyone feel that this is being very harsh on BASSA, DH or LaLa, may I suggest that you simply get a copy of the BASSA (not Unite) regulations and branch minutes from beginning of 2009 to date and check - also read all of DH's posts on these two threads over the same period, although a number have now been deleted.
Last edited by Entaxei; 25th Feb 2011 at 21:20.
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I think it's clear that the poster means DH, The Small Tomato Head and Gen Sec of BASSA.
It is entirely in his personal interest to prolong this dispute.
As ever, my sympathies go to his followers, who will eventually [and painfully] discover how well they have been led.
It is entirely in his personal interest to prolong this dispute.
As ever, my sympathies go to his followers, who will eventually [and painfully] discover how well they have been led.
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From the CC thread.
Now WW has moved on (and taken, from BASSA's perspective, some of the personal aspect of this dispute out of it), I can entirely see the logic of KW doing this to try and draw a line under the affair and move on.
It's a very measured note (with a thinly veiled statement to Unite that they have achieved precisely nothing) but will it make any difference to sentiment amongst the BASSA hardcore?
Now WW has moved on (and taken, from BASSA's perspective, some of the personal aspect of this dispute out of it), I can entirely see the logic of KW doing this to try and draw a line under the affair and move on.
It's a very measured note (with a thinly veiled statement to Unite that they have achieved precisely nothing) but will it make any difference to sentiment amongst the BASSA hardcore?
To all cabin crew:
A personal message from Keith Williams, CEO
As the new chief executive of British Airways, I wanted to write to you personally to give my view of how things stand in the long-running dispute with Unite. I know this issue is of great concern to you, and I hope you will take a couple of minutes to read this letter.
I want my time in this job to be marked more than anything by the extra focus we place on customers – and you play a massive part in determining how good our customers feel about flying with BA.
I continually receive reports of how cabin crew have gone out of their way to make customers’ journeys more enjoyable or relaxing. You are at the absolute heart of our brand.
In any kind of dispute, words can be said which give vent to anger or frustration. I want us to put such things behind us and find a new language that reflects our common purpose in helping each other create the best possible experience for customers.
Despite the tough times we face, I have protected funds to invest for the benefit of customers. We are purchasing new aircraft, introducing new cabins, preparing to bring in improved catering, strengthening our premium service training and using new technologies to offer better entertainment in the air and less hassle on the ground.
I have brought in a new managing director for brands and customer experience, Frank van der Post. He has spent many years in the luxury hotel sector, striving – as we do – to achieve supreme standards of service for a very discerning international clientele.
Frank has been extremely impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm he has found among crew and, with Bill Francis, has many ideas for how we can make it easier for you to provide an excellent experience for customers every time they fly.
I have also authorised a bonus for last year for all cabin crew, even if they went on strike, in recognition of your work over the year as a whole.
If you belong to Unite, I am sure you know by now that the union is balloting for a fourth time for strike action. That is more ballots than in any dispute in the UK in living memory.
Despite allegations to the contrary in some quarters, I have made myself available for talks with Unite – and I want such talks to bring a successful conclusion.
I do not want more confrontation. But everyone knows that if Unite calls a strike again, we will again implement our well-rehearsed contingency plans, which this time will include flying 100 per cent of longhaul. And this time, I would not approve any bonus for anyone joining a strike.
Unite seems to have run out of ideas – it is stuck in a groove and keeps turning to outdated union tactics because it doesn’t know what else to do.
I am asking you to turn away from supporting another grim cycle of strikes and recrimination.
Voting for a strike, even if you privately intend to work normally, causes uncertainty for customers and damages our airline. It brings more divisiveness on board and prolongs the anxieties I know you feel.
I am the new chief executive and I want a new start. I want a positive relationship with all cabin crew whether in Unite or not. And I want a brilliant future for you.
I know that with new investment and your professionalism and expertise, we can completely outshine the competition and make this airline the best in the world – both for customers and for you. That is the prize. Let us look to the future and seize it.
With best wishes,
A personal message from Keith Williams, CEO
As the new chief executive of British Airways, I wanted to write to you personally to give my view of how things stand in the long-running dispute with Unite. I know this issue is of great concern to you, and I hope you will take a couple of minutes to read this letter.
I want my time in this job to be marked more than anything by the extra focus we place on customers – and you play a massive part in determining how good our customers feel about flying with BA.
I continually receive reports of how cabin crew have gone out of their way to make customers’ journeys more enjoyable or relaxing. You are at the absolute heart of our brand.
In any kind of dispute, words can be said which give vent to anger or frustration. I want us to put such things behind us and find a new language that reflects our common purpose in helping each other create the best possible experience for customers.
Despite the tough times we face, I have protected funds to invest for the benefit of customers. We are purchasing new aircraft, introducing new cabins, preparing to bring in improved catering, strengthening our premium service training and using new technologies to offer better entertainment in the air and less hassle on the ground.
I have brought in a new managing director for brands and customer experience, Frank van der Post. He has spent many years in the luxury hotel sector, striving – as we do – to achieve supreme standards of service for a very discerning international clientele.
Frank has been extremely impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm he has found among crew and, with Bill Francis, has many ideas for how we can make it easier for you to provide an excellent experience for customers every time they fly.
I have also authorised a bonus for last year for all cabin crew, even if they went on strike, in recognition of your work over the year as a whole.
If you belong to Unite, I am sure you know by now that the union is balloting for a fourth time for strike action. That is more ballots than in any dispute in the UK in living memory.
Despite allegations to the contrary in some quarters, I have made myself available for talks with Unite – and I want such talks to bring a successful conclusion.
I do not want more confrontation. But everyone knows that if Unite calls a strike again, we will again implement our well-rehearsed contingency plans, which this time will include flying 100 per cent of longhaul. And this time, I would not approve any bonus for anyone joining a strike.
Unite seems to have run out of ideas – it is stuck in a groove and keeps turning to outdated union tactics because it doesn’t know what else to do.
I am asking you to turn away from supporting another grim cycle of strikes and recrimination.
Voting for a strike, even if you privately intend to work normally, causes uncertainty for customers and damages our airline. It brings more divisiveness on board and prolongs the anxieties I know you feel.
I am the new chief executive and I want a new start. I want a positive relationship with all cabin crew whether in Unite or not. And I want a brilliant future for you.
I know that with new investment and your professionalism and expertise, we can completely outshine the competition and make this airline the best in the world – both for customers and for you. That is the prize. Let us look to the future and seize it.
With best wishes,
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And this:
Apparently from Holley;
Holley must remember that KW will ignore him, he doesn't work for BA and is persona no grata. And would he really call ANYONE in BASSA after they flatly refused to negotiate time after time. KW has not mentioned BASSA - only Unite, which kinda kicks Holley over his own line - another own goal!
KW has succinctly put his thoughts on paper and it is now up to Unite to grasp the nettle and get in touch. But another but....since it would appear that Holley is pulling his strings how can McCluskey do anything that is meaningful? Holley would refuse to accept it, whatever it was
That letter is great rallying call to the cabin crew and they should stand behind KW. Its all over for Holley after living in world that for him does not exist anymore. Now is the time for PCCC to stand up and be counted.
One more thing. Holley/Unite still have to answer BASSAwitch's request.
Exactly XXXXX - BA have my mobile nos, they have YYYYY and they have ZZZZZZ's.
Keith has not yet provided his to us.
Everyone and anyone in BASSA will meet him anytime, anywhere - all he has to do is dial one of our numbers.
Keith has not yet provided his to us.
Everyone and anyone in BASSA will meet him anytime, anywhere - all he has to do is dial one of our numbers.
KW has succinctly put his thoughts on paper and it is now up to Unite to grasp the nettle and get in touch. But another but....since it would appear that Holley is pulling his strings how can McCluskey do anything that is meaningful? Holley would refuse to accept it, whatever it was
That letter is great rallying call to the cabin crew and they should stand behind KW. Its all over for Holley after living in world that for him does not exist anymore. Now is the time for PCCC to stand up and be counted.
One more thing. Holley/Unite still have to answer BASSAwitch's request.
Last edited by RTR; 26th Feb 2011 at 12:31.
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On 19 February 2010, Sir Christopher Holland sitting as a Judge of the High Court said
paragraph 21 ix) of___link
The BASSA and Amicus factions were separately represented and sat in separate rooms. Despite the efforts of ACAS they could not be persuaded to join forces for a meeting with BA. The latter raised the possibility of separate agreements with the respective factions but, understandably, that did not appeal.
Why on Earth would the incoming CEO of a middle sized Co like BA want to start his job by talking to a bunch of ex-employees?
I would much rather talk to people who represent the future, like PC3, not failures from the past.
I would much rather talk to people who represent the future, like PC3, not failures from the past.
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British Airways cabin crew are hard working and conscientious.
The terrible thing is that the struggle by BASSA and Amicus for managerial control over the workforce is bound to affect the good spirit and job satisfaction of the worthy cabin crew.
The terrible thing is that the struggle by BASSA and Amicus for managerial control over the workforce is bound to affect the good spirit and job satisfaction of the worthy cabin crew.
Last edited by notlangley; 26th Feb 2011 at 21:43.
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@Litebulbs re yry cc response
And that interpretation may turn out to be unlawful.[/QUOTE]
Please acknowledge Litebulbs that it may turn out to be lawful and that you have no idea until the court has delivered its verdict.
'Officially' striking for just one day may actually be interpreted by BA as several days unavailable for work, depending on when an individual striker actually next turned up for duty!
Please acknowledge Litebulbs that it may turn out to be lawful and that you have no idea until the court has delivered its verdict.
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To go along the "'Officially' striking for just one day may actually be interpreted by BA as several days unavailable for work, depending on when an individual striker actually next turned up for duty!" line, how would it sit if someone "pulled a sickie" or refused to show because their roster had them on longhaul before/after the strike date. So one day would be "striking", when they would not be working, but since they would be in, say, Hong Kong on the strike date with no way of getting back home, etc, they took a day or three "off" unofficially, due to the timing of the strike, then surely the result would be that it is "interpreted by BA as several days unavailable for work" and disciplinary action could legally be taken as appropriate....
Litebulbs, it's over to you.
Litebulbs, it's over to you.
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hellsbrink
Not over to me in any way. BA have acted and it is being challenged. It may be lawful, it may not. No doubt it will be based on something along the lines of your assumption and the courts will look at if that assumption was a reasonable response.
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From "that other place:"
How sad. KW is trying to placate strikers who seem intent on ruining BA, or at least furthering BASSA's intent of interfering in the running of the company.
KW should have excluded the strikers from one penny of bonus payment, let them bleat and moan, and probably make complete fools of themselves in the courts, yet again.
It is beyond time when BA management should say "enough, already!"
I'm told a number of members of the Leadership Team were against awarding the bonus to strikers but were overruled by KW who felt that as it wasn't a previously stated sanction it would be unfair to deny them it. I suppose he needs to be seen to be scrupulously fair.
KW should have excluded the strikers from one penny of bonus payment, let them bleat and moan, and probably make complete fools of themselves in the courts, yet again.
It is beyond time when BA management should say "enough, already!"
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How sad. KW is trying to placate strikers who seem intent on ruining BA, or at least furthering BASSA's intent of interfering in the running of the company
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I can see both sides of the argument and I suspect paying the bonus to strikers was the least worst option.
Everything BA has done in the past (impose changes, remove staff travel, calculate deduction of pay for strikers) has been done with a clear prior warning (though, sadly, many thought BA was bluffing).
If the bonus was withdrawn without warning from strikers, all that will do is rile some strikers even more and giving BASSA something else to bleat about.
KW's e-mail and the payment of the bonus (with a warning that this year's won't be paid to any strikers this year) is a test for BASSA. It's time they took the lead from BA and made a gesture towards settlement. If they carry on with the puerile personal attacks on management (see the post of 12 February below) then BA may as well carry on the running the business ignoring the thorn in its side and allow BASSA to continue its slow self-destruction.
Everything BA has done in the past (impose changes, remove staff travel, calculate deduction of pay for strikers) has been done with a clear prior warning (though, sadly, many thought BA was bluffing).
If the bonus was withdrawn without warning from strikers, all that will do is rile some strikers even more and giving BASSA something else to bleat about.
KW's e-mail and the payment of the bonus (with a warning that this year's won't be paid to any strikers this year) is a test for BASSA. It's time they took the lead from BA and made a gesture towards settlement. If they carry on with the puerile personal attacks on management (see the post of 12 February below) then BA may as well carry on the running the business ignoring the thorn in its side and allow BASSA to continue its slow self-destruction.
"Arise" Sir William of Waterside
It's interesting to note that in recent communication, our erstwhile and revered leader has gone from the more formal, Bill Francis, head of IFCE to just simple "Bill"; whether we should read anything into this is unclear.
So what has happened to inspire this exercise in moniker shortening? Is he preparing himself in readiness to join "Sir" Martin in the next New Years Honours list?
Probably not.
It could be nothing more than the fact that the Bill Francis "brand name"
is now so utterly bereft of any value whatsoever, and to be frank, held in such complete and utter contempt by the vast majority of crew, that he has simply decided to "re-brand" himself as just plain old "Bill".
Let's face it; it does sound a little chummier, "matey" if you will. It fits perfectly with "Bill's a good lad" or "that Bill's a nice bloke"
perhaps. Virtually everybody has an uncle Bill, and without exception they are usually nice! Perhaps he hopes some of that fondness that people usually have for a "good old Uncle Bill" will finally rub off on him.
Or maybe he just hopes that you will just think it's somebody else called "Bill" so his recent, ill-judged statements and crass comments such as it's an "exciting time to come to work in IFCE if we could all forget the dispute" or "we are investing more than ever in the customer experience"
wouldn't sound quite so hollow. Or even that there is a slim chance that the diminishing number of "real" crew may just take him seriously.
Because let's face it, these words could not seriously come from the real current head of IFCE, could they? Not the man who presides over a department where his own people sit on a car park bus in near silence, only speaking to those they know and can trust, afraid to look at, or even strike up a conversation with colleagues that they don't know just in case they say the wrong thing or glance at somebody the "wrong way". Where the value of CRM has completely and utterly gone, as the majority of crew turn their backs on pilot colleagues for turning their backs on us. Then, when they finally get to work, spend a substantial amount of that time apologising to our actual customers for the ever-diminishing product we have to offer?
Those words could not come from "that" Bill surely?
A far more likely theory could be that he realises nobody but a handful of his chosen acolytes actually ever read his stuff anyway, and that these are so few in number that he is more than likely on first name terms with them anyway.
Let's be honest, rather than trying to curry favour with a name change, perhaps a simple show of hands would have sufficed to obtain the credibility amongst crew that he so desperately chases...
Hands up all those who think that good old Bill "exciting place to work"
Francis is doing a great job and should be duly recognised for his sterling work?
Hmmm, maybe he should stick with "William" after all...hello? Hello? Bill?
Bill?
It's interesting to note that in recent communication, our erstwhile and revered leader has gone from the more formal, Bill Francis, head of IFCE to just simple "Bill"; whether we should read anything into this is unclear.
So what has happened to inspire this exercise in moniker shortening? Is he preparing himself in readiness to join "Sir" Martin in the next New Years Honours list?
Probably not.
It could be nothing more than the fact that the Bill Francis "brand name"
is now so utterly bereft of any value whatsoever, and to be frank, held in such complete and utter contempt by the vast majority of crew, that he has simply decided to "re-brand" himself as just plain old "Bill".
Let's face it; it does sound a little chummier, "matey" if you will. It fits perfectly with "Bill's a good lad" or "that Bill's a nice bloke"
perhaps. Virtually everybody has an uncle Bill, and without exception they are usually nice! Perhaps he hopes some of that fondness that people usually have for a "good old Uncle Bill" will finally rub off on him.
Or maybe he just hopes that you will just think it's somebody else called "Bill" so his recent, ill-judged statements and crass comments such as it's an "exciting time to come to work in IFCE if we could all forget the dispute" or "we are investing more than ever in the customer experience"
wouldn't sound quite so hollow. Or even that there is a slim chance that the diminishing number of "real" crew may just take him seriously.
Because let's face it, these words could not seriously come from the real current head of IFCE, could they? Not the man who presides over a department where his own people sit on a car park bus in near silence, only speaking to those they know and can trust, afraid to look at, or even strike up a conversation with colleagues that they don't know just in case they say the wrong thing or glance at somebody the "wrong way". Where the value of CRM has completely and utterly gone, as the majority of crew turn their backs on pilot colleagues for turning their backs on us. Then, when they finally get to work, spend a substantial amount of that time apologising to our actual customers for the ever-diminishing product we have to offer?
Those words could not come from "that" Bill surely?
A far more likely theory could be that he realises nobody but a handful of his chosen acolytes actually ever read his stuff anyway, and that these are so few in number that he is more than likely on first name terms with them anyway.
Let's be honest, rather than trying to curry favour with a name change, perhaps a simple show of hands would have sufficed to obtain the credibility amongst crew that he so desperately chases...
Hands up all those who think that good old Bill "exciting place to work"
Francis is doing a great job and should be duly recognised for his sterling work?
Hmmm, maybe he should stick with "William" after all...hello? Hello? Bill?
Bill?
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If they carry on with the puerile personal attacks on management (see the post of 12 February below) ....
I have the greatest sympathy for BA management who are having to deal with these people. "Top executives in a major plc v. The 5th Form" ... no wonder this just drags on - and on - and on - and on - ... ..
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'Officially' striking for just one day may actually be interpreted by BA as several days unavailable for work, depending on when an individual striker actually next turned up for duty!