BA Pilot Ballot results
Join Date: Jun 2001
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In the U.S. these "strike authorization votes" are kinda like eBay feedback, if the percentage is anything less than the high nineties it indicates a problem with support. Maybe 86% is a good number for BALPA.
Join Date: Oct 2001
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Am I being niaive or is the fact that BA has agreed to concilliation an indication that they are prepared to talk? "Tell them this is want we want, ask them what they want, this is what we will accept, ask them what they will accept..... etc?"
Wish I owned ACAS
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Wish I owned ACAS
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Join Date: Feb 2008
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May I just express my full support to BA pilots. You are in a battle that you cannot afford to loose!
To those pax that have travel plans that would be affected by a strike, I feel deeply sorry for you! But it is the only weapon left. Any strike, in any company, in any business, hurts someone,and BA pilots have no other option than to show BA what they are willing to do in this situation, as far as I understand the problem here!
BA colleagues, Public support, youŽll never have. And you donŽt need it. But you do have it from colleagues in other companies who recognize what management are trying to pull on you.
I hope that BALPA have received a letter of support from my union! If not, rest assured that many SAS pilots support you in our minds! ItŽs just that, we are busy, engaged in a very very similar battle with our management at this time! WeŽre not quite as far as you are yet, but could be soon!
Hope that now, finally WW will wake up, and do the right thing!
Rgds MDD
To those pax that have travel plans that would be affected by a strike, I feel deeply sorry for you! But it is the only weapon left. Any strike, in any company, in any business, hurts someone,and BA pilots have no other option than to show BA what they are willing to do in this situation, as far as I understand the problem here!
BA colleagues, Public support, youŽll never have. And you donŽt need it. But you do have it from colleagues in other companies who recognize what management are trying to pull on you.
I hope that BALPA have received a letter of support from my union! If not, rest assured that many SAS pilots support you in our minds! ItŽs just that, we are busy, engaged in a very very similar battle with our management at this time! WeŽre not quite as far as you are yet, but could be soon!
Hope that now, finally WW will wake up, and do the right thing!
Rgds MDD
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Good luck to the pilots.
Having been on the sharp end of a management shafting in Manchester, I know exactly where they are coming from. Try talking with senior BA management, you may as well be talking to a wall, and you'd probably get more sense from the wall (I hope you're reading this Mr Hatton).
As for any Pax complaining, instead of thinking about a small short-term personal disruption, think of the long-term effects of allowing BA's mismanagement to get away with this sham.
God speed gentlemen.
Having been on the sharp end of a management shafting in Manchester, I know exactly where they are coming from. Try talking with senior BA management, you may as well be talking to a wall, and you'd probably get more sense from the wall (I hope you're reading this Mr Hatton).
As for any Pax complaining, instead of thinking about a small short-term personal disruption, think of the long-term effects of allowing BA's mismanagement to get away with this sham.
God speed gentlemen.
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Good news
This is so depressing. Airing the dirty washing in public, scaring the public and war mongering. Actually 1 in 4 of the pilots voted No, couldn't vote or didn't want to vote. 2327 voted yes in BALPA's ballet, but the pilot work force is 3200. Still a big majority but not everyone is convinced and it indicates that many have reservations about the issue. 
Now here is some good news.
"BA have today agreed with the British Air Line Pilots Association (BALPA)
to refer issues relating to the launch of the BA subsidiary, Open Skies, to
a conciliation process with an independent third party.
The decision was reached today at a positive meeting between BA and BALPA. Both sides expressed their strong desire to achieve a peaceful outcome."
Thank goodness, now back to negotiation please.
Safe flying
Now here is some good news.
"BA have today agreed with the British Air Line Pilots Association (BALPA)
to refer issues relating to the launch of the BA subsidiary, Open Skies, to
a conciliation process with an independent third party.
The decision was reached today at a positive meeting between BA and BALPA. Both sides expressed their strong desire to achieve a peaceful outcome."
Thank goodness, now back to negotiation please.
Safe flying
Last edited by kowloon; 21st Feb 2008 at 19:37.
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You like it. Just shows how you can "spin" the figures (2327 yes votes) if your view differs. I saw 2716 voted, 2327 said yes the remainder said no or spilt their coffee on the paper. So out of 3207 in the work force it shows 880 have reservations about the issue, can't vote, didn't vote, didn't want to vote, resigned from BALPA, or don't want to be in BALPA, didn't vote yes or whatever. Know one could avoid being involved, everyone chose in their own way.
Figures, Spin you can run a goverment on it if you want to.
But don't you agree its a relief to be back negotiating again?
Rgds Kowloon
PS I thought I would have been incinerated by now.
Just shows how you can "spin" the figures (2327 yes votes) if your view differs. I saw 2716 voted, 2327 said yes the remainder said no or spilt their coffee on the paper. So out of 3207 in the work force it shows 880 have reservations about the issue, can't vote, didn't vote, didn't want to vote, resigned from BALPA, or don't want to be in BALPA, didn't vote yes or whatever. Know one could avoid being involved, everyone chose in their own way.Figures, Spin you can run a goverment on it if you want to.
But don't you agree its a relief to be back negotiating again?
Rgds Kowloon
PS I thought I would have been incinerated by now.
Last edited by kowloon; 22nd Feb 2008 at 18:02.
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Fltman & Scottish jockey have it about right. All pax wish to arrive at their dest. safely and expeditiously. However, The scheduling proposals that WW & his US/Irish team are suggesting for OS are downright dangerous and will lead to severe fatigue for his proposed flt crew. Tired pilots make mistakes, not intentionally but history says otherwise. I am now retired after 34yrs with BA, BA standards will be severely compromised if this proposal goes through.
To all those passengers thinking of making alternative travel arrangements over the Easter period:
Do it now while there are still seats available with other airlines 'cos there won't be any alternative seats left later.
Do it now while there are still seats available with other airlines 'cos there won't be any alternative seats left later.
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As a SLF, you have my full support.
The stronger the action, the quicker the settlement.
If I want a second rate airline, there are plenty that offer cheaper service.
I require the highest standards - that requires the best crews - and for that I don't mind paying extra.
What I do object to is simply paying to fill shareholders and management pockets.
As SLF we may take some temporary inconvenience - but if management wish to entice customers back I am sure we will benefit from some encouragement following strike action - if that becomes necessary.
Hopefully the strength of your support and will to take action will result in a very quick climbdown by the #'**# in management that is responsible for this strike.
The stronger the action, the quicker the settlement.
If I want a second rate airline, there are plenty that offer cheaper service.
I require the highest standards - that requires the best crews - and for that I don't mind paying extra.
What I do object to is simply paying to fill shareholders and management pockets.
As SLF we may take some temporary inconvenience - but if management wish to entice customers back I am sure we will benefit from some encouragement following strike action - if that becomes necessary.
Hopefully the strength of your support and will to take action will result in a very quick climbdown by the #'**# in management that is responsible for this strike.
Join Date: May 2004
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I am a CSD for BA on Worldwide Fleet Heathrow.
I have listened to the few rantings against the pilots on here and understand peoples upset.
Take your frustrations out on Willie Walsh and his bunch of incompetent managers,who can't manage a p*ss up in a brewry!!.
On my last couple of flights I have spoken to many of our Gold card holders and yesterday a Premier Card holder.The one's who have asked me about the pilots strike are really only interested in what the dates may be.The vast majority seemed very upto date with the problems ahead and just want a heads up so they can make alternative plans.They also enjoy flying BA and plan to continue doing so.
They also were very much on the side of the pilots and understood they don't go on strike at the drop of a hat.
Neither were they surprised when I told them there was a forthcoming ballot from the Cabin Crew and Check-in staff!!
.
Most of the Premium passengers I fly with understand the problems at BA are not the staff but the Management,who seem content to see our long suffering customers go through more disruption for the sake of diminishing our terms and conditions.
I love the job I do,the passengers I look after and the colleagues I fly with.
I just wish we could get rid of this incompetent managent we have at all levels,get on with our job and give you the passengers the service you want and more so deserve.
Send your complaints to [email protected]
I am sure that is his e-mail.
WTDWL.
I have listened to the few rantings against the pilots on here and understand peoples upset.
Take your frustrations out on Willie Walsh and his bunch of incompetent managers,who can't manage a p*ss up in a brewry!!.
On my last couple of flights I have spoken to many of our Gold card holders and yesterday a Premier Card holder.The one's who have asked me about the pilots strike are really only interested in what the dates may be.The vast majority seemed very upto date with the problems ahead and just want a heads up so they can make alternative plans.They also enjoy flying BA and plan to continue doing so.
They also were very much on the side of the pilots and understood they don't go on strike at the drop of a hat.
Neither were they surprised when I told them there was a forthcoming ballot from the Cabin Crew and Check-in staff!!
.Most of the Premium passengers I fly with understand the problems at BA are not the staff but the Management,who seem content to see our long suffering customers go through more disruption for the sake of diminishing our terms and conditions.
I love the job I do,the passengers I look after and the colleagues I fly with.
I just wish we could get rid of this incompetent managent we have at all levels,get on with our job and give you the passengers the service you want and more so deserve.
Send your complaints to [email protected]
I am sure that is his e-mail.
WTDWL.
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support
As BA Cabin crew, firstly, I'd like to voice my 100% support to my Tech crew colleagues.
About a month ago, our Tech & Cabin crews were correctly praised by all for doing a superb job on the BA038.
And now, the real respect, or lack of it from our senior managers is being shown.
Another ballot for industrial action by cabin crew may also be only round the corner, sadly. Issues based around what BA management agreed to do to avert our action last year which they still haven't implemented.
Back to the main issue, I think that agreeing to arbitration so early seems a bad move. Usually, it is the party with the weaker hand that calls for arbitration. By definition, arbitration involves a compromise on both sides, & so it would seem that the pilots are already willing to compromise their stance on seniority listing, which I find a little surprising & maybe disappointing. Lets hope a good solution is found for all concerned.
Matt.
About a month ago, our Tech & Cabin crews were correctly praised by all for doing a superb job on the BA038.
And now, the real respect, or lack of it from our senior managers is being shown.
Another ballot for industrial action by cabin crew may also be only round the corner, sadly. Issues based around what BA management agreed to do to avert our action last year which they still haven't implemented.
Back to the main issue, I think that agreeing to arbitration so early seems a bad move. Usually, it is the party with the weaker hand that calls for arbitration. By definition, arbitration involves a compromise on both sides, & so it would seem that the pilots are already willing to compromise their stance on seniority listing, which I find a little surprising & maybe disappointing. Lets hope a good solution is found for all concerned.
Matt.
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I donšt think that the pilots suddenly started having second thoughts alfamatt. Nor should they! I think that WW suddenly started having second thoughts. And so,I think, he should! he saw today, that the pilots are very very serious, and hopefully for BA, he does the right thing!
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Balpa has not agreed to arbitration.They have agreed to conciliation which is not binding.Managment having waited for the result of the ballot proposed arbitration AFTER it was announced.You really could not make it up 
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Why are you all so militant? You wonder why your profession is no longer taken seriously and claim that you've lost your "professional status", and then we hear about your intention to strike like factory workers. Tell me, did GPs threaten to go on strike when the government tried to renogotiate their contracts?
You moan on and on about "senior management" and yes I'm sure they can be a bloody pain and don't know how to fly a plane (after all, they're not pilots), but you are airline pilots, hugely respected by the general public and not badly paid, let's be honest.
I know you work hard. I know you have a tough, demanding job. But please remember that your reputation is on the line here.
You moan on and on about "senior management" and yes I'm sure they can be a bloody pain and don't know how to fly a plane (after all, they're not pilots), but you are airline pilots, hugely respected by the general public and not badly paid, let's be honest.
I know you work hard. I know you have a tough, demanding job. But please remember that your reputation is on the line here.
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I say sack the management!
The BA pilots are clearly more than capable of running the airline in its entirety and it is quite apparent that the management team have contribute nothing towards making it one of the most profitable airlines in the world!
The BA pilots are clearly more than capable of running the airline in its entirety and it is quite apparent that the management team have contribute nothing towards making it one of the most profitable airlines in the world!
Controversial, moi?
I have kept out of this thread because I do not wish to get into a slanging match with those who are blinkered/envious/selfish or just plain unpleasant but Chris777 your post demands a reply.
I am not militant, I have just had enough of being screwed around by incompetent so-called managers who see no further than their riding off into the sunset with pockets stuffed with money despite decimating the operation during their tenure.
I do not complain about my 'professional status' whatever that is.
Last strike by BA pilots was in 1980. Striking is not the weapon of first resort it is truly the last.
My understanding of the GPs last deal would indicate that striking was a little pointless given the extra money that seems to have landed in their laps (and good for them too, I hope the nurses get a look in next). BA management is not unlike this present greedy, self-centred bunch of shysters in government. Remind me again who stuffed the pensions industry, except their own of course?
Senior management aka Willie Walsh actually does know how to fly a plane because that is what he trained and employed to do by Aer Lingus. He was also a union leader in Aer Lingus and was instrumental in leading the 1986 Aer Lingus pilot's strike.
I am not complaining that I am badly paid, I am just asking that we have a common seniority list of pilots employed by BA, flying BA aeroplanes, marketed with BA money and maintained by BA engineering and trained to common BA standards. Quite simple and nothing about asking for more money just making sure that I don't enhance somebody's bonus by standing by while my position is undermined by such an obvious tactic as OpenLies.
You are correct my reputation is on the line here and I intend to make sure it remains intact.
I am not militant, I have just had enough of being screwed around by incompetent so-called managers who see no further than their riding off into the sunset with pockets stuffed with money despite decimating the operation during their tenure.
I do not complain about my 'professional status' whatever that is.
Last strike by BA pilots was in 1980. Striking is not the weapon of first resort it is truly the last.
My understanding of the GPs last deal would indicate that striking was a little pointless given the extra money that seems to have landed in their laps (and good for them too, I hope the nurses get a look in next). BA management is not unlike this present greedy, self-centred bunch of shysters in government. Remind me again who stuffed the pensions industry, except their own of course?
Senior management aka Willie Walsh actually does know how to fly a plane because that is what he trained and employed to do by Aer Lingus. He was also a union leader in Aer Lingus and was instrumental in leading the 1986 Aer Lingus pilot's strike.
I am not complaining that I am badly paid, I am just asking that we have a common seniority list of pilots employed by BA, flying BA aeroplanes, marketed with BA money and maintained by BA engineering and trained to common BA standards. Quite simple and nothing about asking for more money just making sure that I don't enhance somebody's bonus by standing by while my position is undermined by such an obvious tactic as OpenLies.
You are correct my reputation is on the line here and I intend to make sure it remains intact.
Mach 3
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Tell me, did GPs threaten to go on strike when the government tried to renogotiate their contracts?
If your new contract proposed to double your salary in 5 years (Don't tell me the Doctors didn't work that one out whilst it was on the negotiating table? After all, they're a clever bunch aren't they?), you'd be a little daft to moan wouldn't you?