BA Cabin Crew Strike Threat
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And here is what has been agreed:
FROM: Simon Talling-Smith, Head of Inflight Service
TO: All Cabin Crew
CC: Downroute Cabin Crew
T&G SETTLEMENT - KEY POINTS
Following the good news that the planned cabin crew strikes have been called off, I would like to share with you the key points of the settlement we have negotiated with the T&G.
As you will be aware, the key points relate to pay, absence, the number of pursers on Boeing 747-400 aircraft and strengthening of the airline's relationship with the T&G's cabin crew branch, BASSA.
The detail of the settlement in relation to these points is as follows:
Pay:
There will be a two-year pay deal for all cabin crew. This is worth inflation (4.4 per cent) plus 0.2 per cent in year one (from February 1, 2007) and inflation in year two (from February 1, 200.
In addition, four new non-pensionable increments will be added at the top of scale for new entrant cabin crew. The increments will lift basic non-pensionable salary (excluding allowances) at top-of-scale for cabin crew who joined the airline after 1997 to £18,600.
Absence:
There will be changes to the application of the absence management policy to recognise the genuine concerns of cabin crew. The company and the unions will work jointly to support the agreement on attendance management.
It will be normal practice for the following conditions to be discounted: colds and flu resulting in blocked ears, diarrhoea & vomiting, one-off life events (for example, surgery or broken limb) and down-route sickness. Good attendance will be taken into account and it will be normal practice to discount the first period of sickness in a 21-month period.
However, the line crew manager will endeavour to look at all the circumstances when making these decisions.
747 Pursers:
It was agreed to remove one purser onboard Boeing 747-400s and replace with a main cabin crew member from September 2007.
Relationship:
As I mentioned earlier, both parties recognise that a fresh start is needed to the relationship and work will begin on developing a constructive and professional relationship.
This work will be revised on a regular basis by chief executive Willie Walsh and Tony Woodley, the general secretary of the T&G.
While these are the key points of the negotiated settlement, you will be aware that there were a number of other issues raised by the T&G. I will provide more details on these in due course.
Simon Talling-Smith,
Head of Inflight Service
FROM: Simon Talling-Smith, Head of Inflight Service
TO: All Cabin Crew
CC: Downroute Cabin Crew
T&G SETTLEMENT - KEY POINTS
Following the good news that the planned cabin crew strikes have been called off, I would like to share with you the key points of the settlement we have negotiated with the T&G.
As you will be aware, the key points relate to pay, absence, the number of pursers on Boeing 747-400 aircraft and strengthening of the airline's relationship with the T&G's cabin crew branch, BASSA.
The detail of the settlement in relation to these points is as follows:
Pay:
There will be a two-year pay deal for all cabin crew. This is worth inflation (4.4 per cent) plus 0.2 per cent in year one (from February 1, 2007) and inflation in year two (from February 1, 200.
In addition, four new non-pensionable increments will be added at the top of scale for new entrant cabin crew. The increments will lift basic non-pensionable salary (excluding allowances) at top-of-scale for cabin crew who joined the airline after 1997 to £18,600.
Absence:
There will be changes to the application of the absence management policy to recognise the genuine concerns of cabin crew. The company and the unions will work jointly to support the agreement on attendance management.
It will be normal practice for the following conditions to be discounted: colds and flu resulting in blocked ears, diarrhoea & vomiting, one-off life events (for example, surgery or broken limb) and down-route sickness. Good attendance will be taken into account and it will be normal practice to discount the first period of sickness in a 21-month period.
However, the line crew manager will endeavour to look at all the circumstances when making these decisions.
747 Pursers:
It was agreed to remove one purser onboard Boeing 747-400s and replace with a main cabin crew member from September 2007.
Relationship:
As I mentioned earlier, both parties recognise that a fresh start is needed to the relationship and work will begin on developing a constructive and professional relationship.
This work will be revised on a regular basis by chief executive Willie Walsh and Tony Woodley, the general secretary of the T&G.
While these are the key points of the negotiated settlement, you will be aware that there were a number of other issues raised by the T&G. I will provide more details on these in due course.
Simon Talling-Smith,
Head of Inflight Service
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As a frequent, mainly Euro but some long-haul, SLF I have often fought tooth and nail to retain my right to choose BA when my company (one of the largest multinationals that dwarfs BA) has suggested/insisted that the loco or other full-service is preferable.
I've now wasted 20% of my annual travel budget and have a disciplinary hanging over me for wasting this money. All this because of the egos of your wonderful union who, lets be honest, never really stood a chance against WW. With this in mind I too am withdrawing my patronage - the BA Silver card will gather dust and if I ever have to travel with you again I'll eye you suspiciously trying to work out whether you were one of the lemmings/ill-informed that caused the demise of the once great British Airways.
A sad lesson in how to recognise when you're well off and should just accept what you've got.
I've now wasted 20% of my annual travel budget and have a disciplinary hanging over me for wasting this money. All this because of the egos of your wonderful union who, lets be honest, never really stood a chance against WW. With this in mind I too am withdrawing my patronage - the BA Silver card will gather dust and if I ever have to travel with you again I'll eye you suspiciously trying to work out whether you were one of the lemmings/ill-informed that caused the demise of the once great British Airways.
A sad lesson in how to recognise when you're well off and should just accept what you've got.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They haven't even got their RPI+0.2% pay rise back dated to the due date of October 1st 2006. It is only back to Feb 1st 2007, so they have self funded the pay points, taking it away from the lowest paid workers who have lost 5 months of pay rise.
This is a defeat of the highest order. A complete capitulation. BASSA are finished
This is a defeat of the highest order. A complete capitulation. BASSA are finished
Warning Toxic!
Disgusted of Tunbridge
Disgusted of Tunbridge
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Hampshire, UK
Posts: 4,011
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's important to remember that this was Napoleon (the unions) sending the first regiment in to battle (to get decimated by Wellington's army) as a way of feeling out the enemy and making a position. The real battle will still come- getting all those ground unions in shape for Terminal 5. The TGWU must have known it was not going to get anywhere, but cynically whipped up the crew into this nonsense so they were willing to throw themselves against the enemy. This is not the end of it (but it is for BASSA).
Controversial, moi?
It's important to remember that this was Napoleon (the unions) sending the first regiment in to battle (to get decimated by Wellington's army) as a way of feeling out the enemy and making a position.
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: SE England.
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That pay deal is terrible, BA have always back dated them to the October due date, not back dating it results in a deal of approx RPI - 1% or so, they just negotiated themselves a real terms pay CUT. BASSA are finished.
Lady Lexxington
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: The Manor House
Age: 44
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have stayed out of commenting on this thread so far, but felt I had to comment on Harry Wragg.
That attitude is why so many would dearly love to see BA brought to it's knees. Your attitude is all too prevelant in BA and it does not endere you to any of your fellow airline collegues around the network. BA were once the flag carrier and a symbol to be proud of, now they are an utter shambles who p' off pax and staff alike. On behalf of my airline we would like to thank you for all the pax who will have rerouted to us and will continue to do so.
It is time you entered the real world and realised that your world revolves around your pax. I totally respect the right to withdraw labour, but to say that pax have nothing to do with your decisions is totally wrong, you withdraw labour and you risk alienating your pax base. This is what this latest strike threat has done, and will continue to do so when the next round of strike talk starts. You should be fighting to get your pax back not telling them to go away.
That attitude is why so many would dearly love to see BA brought to it's knees. Your attitude is all too prevelant in BA and it does not endere you to any of your fellow airline collegues around the network. BA were once the flag carrier and a symbol to be proud of, now they are an utter shambles who p' off pax and staff alike. On behalf of my airline we would like to thank you for all the pax who will have rerouted to us and will continue to do so.
It is time you entered the real world and realised that your world revolves around your pax. I totally respect the right to withdraw labour, but to say that pax have nothing to do with your decisions is totally wrong, you withdraw labour and you risk alienating your pax base. This is what this latest strike threat has done, and will continue to do so when the next round of strike talk starts. You should be fighting to get your pax back not telling them to go away.
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: uk
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Willie Walsh backs down
Delighted to hear that the potentially disastrous BA cabin crew strike has been called off.To allow it to come this far is a damning reflection on the leadership of Willie Walsh.The loss of revenue with passengers changing to other airlines and the obvious reduction in advance bookings must have cost BA millions once again,all apparently to bolster the ego of this CEO.For a man who doesn't do deals,to at the 11th hour cave in to the unions demands,has destroyed his tough guy image.When will the board realise the huge mistake they made in putting this man in charge.The airline is deserving of so much better.
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: on the golf course (Covid permitting)
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
message from the Branch Secretary
Please read this very carefully and trust what I say.
Today the 9 people Branch Committee had to take a very tough decision. BA
had tabled their final offer and asked that the strike be called off. This
offer, they said, would be withdrawn forever if the committee turned it
down. 9 people then had to decide if this was a bluff. It was not an easy
call to say the least. A majority decided to accept the offer. Democracy
therefore decided that the strike would be called off. The majority that
decided to accept the vote did it with integrity. They did it because they
genuinely believed it was in the best interests of you the membership. Their
decision should be respected without reproach. They have fought hard for you
and have achieved what they think is the very best. I cannot now accept or
tolerate the abuse that is being handed out towards them on the forum, and
in particular Mike Conroy, the Chairman. I have worked with Mike for 10
years now and he has fought with all his might to protect you the
membership. His position has put him in the forefront and he is now being
villified publicly for having the courage of his convictions. You might not
agree but you simply must not abuse him or his family. Mike is a very decent
honest man who simply is doing what he thinks is right. How do you think his
wife and daughters are feeling reading such abuse? Please now is the time
for calm. Everyone take a deep breath.
Whatever you think of what has been accepted let me tell you that BA have
learned a lesson and I do not say that in a gloating manner. I truly believe
Willie Walsh now realises that he presides over a massive industrial
relations problem and I also believe he will address that situation. You
have spoken and they have listened. A deal was done. Some think the deal is
acceptable, others thought it could be bettered but that is now history. The
cold facts say however that BA were dragged to the negotiation table and
important concessions were given.
It is more important than ever that we unite behind what has happened and
congratulate ourselves on achieving the most marvellous ballot result in
history. Have no doubt BA will have taken heed, they are not that stupid,
they know things will have to change if they are ever to again win the
respect of their cabin crew. Whichever way you look at the "deal" that has
emerged you really should all be very proud. Let's all now pull together in
one direction, tomorrow is another day and BASSA needs you the membership to
be behind it and not fragmenting amongst a torrent of personal abuse. We
have enough enemies out there without fighting each other.
A sincere and heartfelt thank you to you all.
Regards
Duncan Holley
Please read this very carefully and trust what I say.
Today the 9 people Branch Committee had to take a very tough decision. BA
had tabled their final offer and asked that the strike be called off. This
offer, they said, would be withdrawn forever if the committee turned it
down. 9 people then had to decide if this was a bluff. It was not an easy
call to say the least. A majority decided to accept the offer. Democracy
therefore decided that the strike would be called off. The majority that
decided to accept the vote did it with integrity. They did it because they
genuinely believed it was in the best interests of you the membership. Their
decision should be respected without reproach. They have fought hard for you
and have achieved what they think is the very best. I cannot now accept or
tolerate the abuse that is being handed out towards them on the forum, and
in particular Mike Conroy, the Chairman. I have worked with Mike for 10
years now and he has fought with all his might to protect you the
membership. His position has put him in the forefront and he is now being
villified publicly for having the courage of his convictions. You might not
agree but you simply must not abuse him or his family. Mike is a very decent
honest man who simply is doing what he thinks is right. How do you think his
wife and daughters are feeling reading such abuse? Please now is the time
for calm. Everyone take a deep breath.
Whatever you think of what has been accepted let me tell you that BA have
learned a lesson and I do not say that in a gloating manner. I truly believe
Willie Walsh now realises that he presides over a massive industrial
relations problem and I also believe he will address that situation. You
have spoken and they have listened. A deal was done. Some think the deal is
acceptable, others thought it could be bettered but that is now history. The
cold facts say however that BA were dragged to the negotiation table and
important concessions were given.
It is more important than ever that we unite behind what has happened and
congratulate ourselves on achieving the most marvellous ballot result in
history. Have no doubt BA will have taken heed, they are not that stupid,
they know things will have to change if they are ever to again win the
respect of their cabin crew. Whichever way you look at the "deal" that has
emerged you really should all be very proud. Let's all now pull together in
one direction, tomorrow is another day and BASSA needs you the membership to
be behind it and not fragmenting amongst a torrent of personal abuse. We
have enough enemies out there without fighting each other.
A sincere and heartfelt thank you to you all.
Regards
Duncan Holley
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London, England
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
While everyone is getting their knickers in a twist about Harrys comments I'd invite you all to look at some of his past posts. He is a wind-up merchant/ troll extraordinaire. 99% of his posts are sticking in the boot in to BA, he's merely doing the same now with his elaborate double bluff. Don't feed the troll and don't entertain his rants.
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: uk
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Duncan Holleys statement that BA were "dragged" to the negotiating table says it all.Despite all the bullying tacticts,sense eventually prevailed and a deal was agreed.Hence the conclusion that Willie Walsh backed down.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London, England
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, I'll trust a team that repeatedly lied to their members, not only about the consequences of strike action but also about the reasons the strike was necessary ("stitched up by the pilots again", "hourly pay on its way"). Now they ask for respect and to not be criticised for their actions. And just to be on the safe side they've shut down their crew forum so that they cannot be criticised. Any one here the sounds of the BASSA leadership desperately trying to save their own skins?
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: _
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BASSA - Official laughing stock of London Heathrow Airport. I make the score more like: BA 12, BASSA NIL. Stand by for imminent implosion of the "union" who are big on talk, small on action.
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London, England
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Accept it for what it is. An unmitigated disaster for BASSA.