bmi (industrial action vote)
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The memo sent out today by the Director Of Operations wins the prize for the single most misleading piece of junk he has ever written - and he has written some junk in his time. Part of it is actually factually incorrect.
Here is his statement given in a company memo:
bmibaby has today been advised by BALPA (British Airline Pilots’ Association) that 90 of bmibaby’s 189 pilot workforce have voted in favour of strike action. This represents 47% of the total bmibaby pilot workforce.
Given that less than 50% of bmibaby’s pilots voted for a strike we welcome BALPA’s decision not to proceed with one. BALPA have requested a meeting with us to attempt to find a way through the dispute and we are reflecting on that proposal.
bmibaby’s offer of negotiations for a multi year pay deal for 2007 onwards remains on the table and we remain hopeful that any industrial action can be avoided.
Customers are advised to make no changes to their travel plans. bmibaby have contingency plans in place to deal with any operational disruption and will keep customers advised of current information via its website, www.bmibaby.com.
72% YES on a very large turnout is a great result. I have no doubt in the ability of the baby pilots to cause massive disruption and effectively stop the flying program. I only hope that the mainline and regional pilots will produce an even bigger mandate for the Association. Time to put the cards on the table I think.
Here is his statement given in a company memo:
bmibaby has today been advised by BALPA (British Airline Pilots’ Association) that 90 of bmibaby’s 189 pilot workforce have voted in favour of strike action. This represents 47% of the total bmibaby pilot workforce.
Given that less than 50% of bmibaby’s pilots voted for a strike we welcome BALPA’s decision not to proceed with one. BALPA have requested a meeting with us to attempt to find a way through the dispute and we are reflecting on that proposal.
bmibaby’s offer of negotiations for a multi year pay deal for 2007 onwards remains on the table and we remain hopeful that any industrial action can be avoided.
Customers are advised to make no changes to their travel plans. bmibaby have contingency plans in place to deal with any operational disruption and will keep customers advised of current information via its website, www.bmibaby.com.
72% YES on a very large turnout is a great result. I have no doubt in the ability of the baby pilots to cause massive disruption and effectively stop the flying program. I only hope that the mainline and regional pilots will produce an even bigger mandate for the Association. Time to put the cards on the table I think.
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....or to put it another way!
bmibaby has today been advised by BALPA (British Airline Pilots’ Association) that 33 of bmibaby’s 189 pilot workforce have voted against strike action. This represents just 17% of the total bmibaby pilot workforce.
Given that a vast majority (83%) of bmibaby’s pilots didn't vote against a strike we welcome BALPA’s decision to proceed with one. BALPA have requested a meeting with us to attempt to find a way through the dispute and we are reflecting on that proposal.
Given that a vast majority (83%) of bmibaby’s pilots didn't vote against a strike we welcome BALPA’s decision to proceed with one. BALPA have requested a meeting with us to attempt to find a way through the dispute and we are reflecting on that proposal.
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Fuzzy
I think you will find that the memo is word for word the same as the press release. The DoO is only the messanger whilst those above pass down missives.
I read the memo slightly differently to others. My interpretation is thus-
bmibaby has today been advised by BALPA (British Airline Pilots’ Association) that 91 of bmibaby’s 100 captains have voted in favour of strike action. This represents 91% of the total bmibaby captains.
Given that less than 92% of bmibaby’s captains voted for a strike we welcome BALPA’s decision to delay one. BALPA have requested a meeting with us to attempt to find a way through the dispute but we are still hiding up at the hall waiting for something to happen.
I think you will find that the memo is word for word the same as the press release. The DoO is only the messanger whilst those above pass down missives.
I read the memo slightly differently to others. My interpretation is thus-
bmibaby has today been advised by BALPA (British Airline Pilots’ Association) that 91 of bmibaby’s 100 captains have voted in favour of strike action. This represents 91% of the total bmibaby captains.
Given that less than 92% of bmibaby’s captains voted for a strike we welcome BALPA’s decision to delay one. BALPA have requested a meeting with us to attempt to find a way through the dispute but we are still hiding up at the hall waiting for something to happen.
Last edited by lamina; 18th Aug 2006 at 09:40.
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The company's spin, that baby has 189 pilots is rubbish.
That may be the number, including the 'John Doe' pahantoms which make the roster software work, and people who haven't actually joined yet, but it simply ain't true.
With new joiners whose feet aren't even under the table, leavers, and part time management pilots the numbet is in the high 170s.
90 is over fifty percent of the true number.
To spin 'we will not strike over the Bank holiday' into 'we have no mandate, therefore we will not strike' is dangerous indeed. BALPA have a mandate, make no mistake.
That may be the number, including the 'John Doe' pahantoms which make the roster software work, and people who haven't actually joined yet, but it simply ain't true.
With new joiners whose feet aren't even under the table, leavers, and part time management pilots the numbet is in the high 170s.
90 is over fifty percent of the true number.
To spin 'we will not strike over the Bank holiday' into 'we have no mandate, therefore we will not strike' is dangerous indeed. BALPA have a mandate, make no mistake.
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Do-zalbert writes:
Assuming you're a member of the company....if you're not, then, forgive my impertinence, just like I'll forgive yours....
Albert - Now you're obviously not the brightest spark, but with the tax relief on subscriptions, that works out at how much?
Now how much have you earned out of the DFOD system this last 2 years?
£10K?
I don't suppose you've donated it to charity because BALPA have achieved FA for you?
Who feels like a baby (donut) now?
No wonder the ballot didn't deliver a bigger majority.
Originally Posted by albertz
Just to clear it up
...HOWEVER a lot of people are not members of BALPA, why should they be they generally dont do anything for you for the 1.5 % they take [unless you arent happy]....
...HOWEVER a lot of people are not members of BALPA, why should they be they generally dont do anything for you for the 1.5 % they take [unless you arent happy]....
Albert - Now you're obviously not the brightest spark, but with the tax relief on subscriptions, that works out at how much?
Now how much have you earned out of the DFOD system this last 2 years?
£10K?
I don't suppose you've donated it to charity because BALPA have achieved FA for you?
Who feels like a baby (donut) now?
No wonder the ballot didn't deliver a bigger majority.
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Pax Mode
I am booked Bordeaux-Manchester next Wednesday with BMI baby. Out of sheer self interest and curiosity, can anyone tell me what is likely to happen please?
May I wish you the best of luck guys. You provide a good service.
(I have been a BALPA member since '79)
May I wish you the best of luck guys. You provide a good service.
(I have been a BALPA member since '79)
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blaireau
I would suggest you follow this thread closely, as no one is in the position to answer that.
I am absolutely amazed that there are 33 pilots amongst us that have voted NO. What planet are they from? More importantly what planet are they heading towards????????????
Anyway, a good result by far and hopefully now we're talkin'................
I would suggest you follow this thread closely, as no one is in the position to answer that.
I am absolutely amazed that there are 33 pilots amongst us that have voted NO. What planet are they from? More importantly what planet are they heading towards????????????
Anyway, a good result by far and hopefully now we're talkin'................
Albert,
You sound like the pilot in my company who sent in a BALPA resignation leter stating that he was dissapointed with the fact that BALPA hadn't achieved a satisfactory pay rise and improvements in other benefits and that he was also unhappy with the fact that rep / managment relationship was so untrusting and confromtational.
He wanted everything for his 1% and also wanted the reps to be very nice and cuddly in the way in which they went about asking for it.
You sound like the pilot in my company who sent in a BALPA resignation leter stating that he was dissapointed with the fact that BALPA hadn't achieved a satisfactory pay rise and improvements in other benefits and that he was also unhappy with the fact that rep / managment relationship was so untrusting and confromtational.
He wanted everything for his 1% and also wanted the reps to be very nice and cuddly in the way in which they went about asking for it.
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Originally Posted by lamina
Fuzzy
I think you will find that the memo is word for word the same as the press release. The DoO is only the messanger whilst those above pass down missives. [/I]
I think you will find that the memo is word for word the same as the press release. The DoO is only the messanger whilst those above pass down missives. [/I]
'this is the most difficult letter I have had to write........' communication of a few weeks ago.
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Bacon Slicer (A good name, considering certain rumours....)
Whilst I agree with most of what you say, the joining Balpa bit is flawed.
You see, it is obvious that more members carry more voice. There are a number of people that have joined up in support of us trying to solve this dispute with a stronger, louder, united voice. They all understand that without this voice we have nothing. When the dispute is over, I expect the numbers to be dropping like a hot brick, as objectives will have been reached for the time being.
So, joining Balpa for 2 or 3 months could hardly cause anyone financial hardship, particularly when the outcome might bring a better remuneration package with it and an improvement in working conditions.
Anyone can re-join Balpa any time at a later date, when conditions again become intolerable.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmoist
Whilst I agree with most of what you say, the joining Balpa bit is flawed.
You see, it is obvious that more members carry more voice. There are a number of people that have joined up in support of us trying to solve this dispute with a stronger, louder, united voice. They all understand that without this voice we have nothing. When the dispute is over, I expect the numbers to be dropping like a hot brick, as objectives will have been reached for the time being.
So, joining Balpa for 2 or 3 months could hardly cause anyone financial hardship, particularly when the outcome might bring a better remuneration package with it and an improvement in working conditions.
Anyone can re-join Balpa any time at a later date, when conditions again become intolerable.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmoist
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Gary Lager.
I would be more than happy to give up a days pay for a hardship fund to give people more confidence to stand up for themselves. Would you?
And given that some ungrateful people are always moaning about Balpa, whilst they are undermining their efforts by being too mean to make a self funding investment. How many others do you think would contribute an extra say 1%?
Yes, I’m glad I don’t work for BMI. I support those there who do. It is in all our interests that T&Cs throughout the industry are maintained.
It is important that the T&C’s at the best companies are not eroded by others trying to lower their cost base, selling ourselves out to the lowest bidder is not helpful.
Should we not be aiming to match the best not undercut the worst?
The threat to leave is not really the answer, the grass may not be greener and that option will not be viable for everyone.
Stick together, Balpa is all of you, New Rd provides back up and profession support, most of what happens is in your hands.
Roll over and get shafted, or stick up for yourselves. The choice is yours, difficult I know if it’s your job directly on the line, and yes most of us would rather have someone else fight our battles for us. Sometimes you have to stand up and be counted.
I’ve not got long to retirement; but I feel for those who have borrowed heavily chasing a dream which may turn out to be a mirage.
Good Luck.
I would be more than happy to give up a days pay for a hardship fund to give people more confidence to stand up for themselves. Would you?
And given that some ungrateful people are always moaning about Balpa, whilst they are undermining their efforts by being too mean to make a self funding investment. How many others do you think would contribute an extra say 1%?
Yes, I’m glad I don’t work for BMI. I support those there who do. It is in all our interests that T&Cs throughout the industry are maintained.
It is important that the T&C’s at the best companies are not eroded by others trying to lower their cost base, selling ourselves out to the lowest bidder is not helpful.
Should we not be aiming to match the best not undercut the worst?
The threat to leave is not really the answer, the grass may not be greener and that option will not be viable for everyone.
Stick together, Balpa is all of you, New Rd provides back up and profession support, most of what happens is in your hands.
Roll over and get shafted, or stick up for yourselves. The choice is yours, difficult I know if it’s your job directly on the line, and yes most of us would rather have someone else fight our battles for us. Sometimes you have to stand up and be counted.
I’ve not got long to retirement; but I feel for those who have borrowed heavily chasing a dream which may turn out to be a mirage.
Good Luck.
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Bacon-Slicer,
I understand you've had an extra 10 days off in the ten months you've been at bmibaby thanks to BALPA then?
Correct?
At the FO's rate, thats £2.5-3K depending on how you look at it, correct?
That deal may have been agreed before your time, but it owes its genesis to BALPA, correct?
What you get back in a newly BALPA negotiated FREA (an extra £480) more than pays for your year's BALPA subscriptions (more like £17/month in your first year of employment!).
Whatever your objections, what happened at Easyjet & KLC UK?
Astonishing that so many can't see the big picture....
I agree with you though....a good way of raising some cash for the A330/A340's necessary to take up the slack on a newly deregulated TransAtlantic market, would be to sell the sweatshop.
I understand you've had an extra 10 days off in the ten months you've been at bmibaby thanks to BALPA then?
Correct?
At the FO's rate, thats £2.5-3K depending on how you look at it, correct?
That deal may have been agreed before your time, but it owes its genesis to BALPA, correct?
What you get back in a newly BALPA negotiated FREA (an extra £480) more than pays for your year's BALPA subscriptions (more like £17/month in your first year of employment!).
Whatever your objections, what happened at Easyjet & KLC UK?
Astonishing that so many can't see the big picture....
I agree with you though....a good way of raising some cash for the A330/A340's necessary to take up the slack on a newly deregulated TransAtlantic market, would be to sell the sweatshop.
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Well done the bmibaby pilots at a 73% vote in favour of strike action. The bmi board will be wondering what to do now, this whole thing is a long time in the making and pilots across the group are really going for it this time! Bring on a strong mainline result please people!
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Workingforless - You are correct regarding ezy, however, the biggest reason why we have managed to get to where we are / are heading in ezy is our new CEO, AH. With the old one still at the rudders we would have been faced with ballots for strike, loooong time ago...and then we would have been heading towards a very uncertain future...
I still think BALPA and our CC have done a great job and, even though we have a long way to go, the future looks brighter then ever!
/CP
I still think BALPA and our CC have done a great job and, even though we have a long way to go, the future looks brighter then ever!
/CP
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I think it would do us a world of good at baby, if the management were to be reshuffled.
A new DoO for instance, with exceptionally good communication and man management skills would do for starters.
The chief pilot on the other hand is a unique gift to the industry (please don't EVER think of leaving!!!). If he wasn't where he is today, I would not be here writing this as an employee of this baby!
I can only hope some of our demands will come true as we're getting a little bit tired of all the crap we're made to swallow. 
A new DoO for instance, with exceptionally good communication and man management skills would do for starters.
The chief pilot on the other hand is a unique gift to the industry (please don't EVER think of leaving!!!). If he wasn't where he is today, I would not be here writing this as an employee of this baby!
I can only hope some of our demands will come true as we're getting a little bit tired of all the crap we're made to swallow.
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Letter from BALPA Representatives to all bmi non pilot employees.
8"' August 2006
For the attention of all non pilot employees of bmi mainline, bmi baby and bmi regional
Dear fellow bmi employee
You may be aware of the fact that members of BALPA in the three airline groups are currently engaged in strike ballots. You will also have seen the message which has been sent by the CEO to all group employees.
The reasons why each group of pilots are currently engaged in this process are many and varied. We would not want to patronise you by asking you to review any of the details. The company are painting a picture of us which suggests that we are asking to be treated differently from any of the other working groups. Various terms have been used by a number of company board members to describe their pilots - the most recent being made by the COO who stated we are a 'bunch of over paid prima donnas'. You will, we are sure, appreciate how comments such as this are received by BALPA members who, every day, are tasked with ensuring the safe carriage of passengers and crew to a wide range of destinations.
We know that the despatch of any aircraft comes about as a result of a team effort across a large number of company departments - all members of that team have an equal role to play. From Cabin Crew who have hands on contact with our passengers, Engineers who handle the technical issues every day, to those who work behind the scenes in Operations or in an office at Donington Hall. All pilots have enormous respect for all the employees who are part of that team.
The situation that is currently unfolding within the pilot groups has largely been brought about as a result of a legacy of broken agreements and promises which have taken place over a number of years.. Those agreements allow pilots to negotiate pay each year independently of other working groups. Rather than pilots asking to be treated differently to other staff, as the company are suggesting, pilots are rightly asking to be treated as per their existing agreements - nothing more and nothing less. By treating the pilots in the way they have the company are demonstrating the degree of disrespect and contempt they have for their workforce.
The company now state that they are willing to engage in negotiations for 2007 and 2008 with representatives from all the employee groups - a very typical jam tomorrow promise. The pilots are not in dispute about pay for 2007 or 2008. The current dispute only relates to 2006: The ECA subsidy will finish next year. Do you really think that the prospects for 2007 and 2008 will be any different from 2006? We would urge all employee groups to be cautious of the promises that the company are making with respect to the next few years.
Due to the position taken by the bmi board it is looking increasingly likely that there will be a strike action of some sort in the near future. You can be assured that the action will only come about as a last resort and only if all other possible dispute resolution avenues have been exhausted. We are mindful that this action will inevitably impact on employees who deal face to face with our customers. We regret any inconvenience that might be caused to all our fellow employees. We also hope that having taken the time to read this letter you will better understand that the pilots are not looking to be treated in a different way from other employee group. Pilots want ALL employees to be treated with respect and in accordance with whatever industrial agreements they might have. We are very mindful of the way in which the company treats many of its employees. The pilots are seeking to stand up to the company's 'its our way or no way' attitude. We hope we can rely on your support.
Thank you to the many of you who have indicated your support so far.
BALPA Pilot Representatives
8"' August 2006
For the attention of all non pilot employees of bmi mainline, bmi baby and bmi regional
Dear fellow bmi employee
You may be aware of the fact that members of BALPA in the three airline groups are currently engaged in strike ballots. You will also have seen the message which has been sent by the CEO to all group employees.
The reasons why each group of pilots are currently engaged in this process are many and varied. We would not want to patronise you by asking you to review any of the details. The company are painting a picture of us which suggests that we are asking to be treated differently from any of the other working groups. Various terms have been used by a number of company board members to describe their pilots - the most recent being made by the COO who stated we are a 'bunch of over paid prima donnas'. You will, we are sure, appreciate how comments such as this are received by BALPA members who, every day, are tasked with ensuring the safe carriage of passengers and crew to a wide range of destinations.
We know that the despatch of any aircraft comes about as a result of a team effort across a large number of company departments - all members of that team have an equal role to play. From Cabin Crew who have hands on contact with our passengers, Engineers who handle the technical issues every day, to those who work behind the scenes in Operations or in an office at Donington Hall. All pilots have enormous respect for all the employees who are part of that team.
The situation that is currently unfolding within the pilot groups has largely been brought about as a result of a legacy of broken agreements and promises which have taken place over a number of years.. Those agreements allow pilots to negotiate pay each year independently of other working groups. Rather than pilots asking to be treated differently to other staff, as the company are suggesting, pilots are rightly asking to be treated as per their existing agreements - nothing more and nothing less. By treating the pilots in the way they have the company are demonstrating the degree of disrespect and contempt they have for their workforce.
The company now state that they are willing to engage in negotiations for 2007 and 2008 with representatives from all the employee groups - a very typical jam tomorrow promise. The pilots are not in dispute about pay for 2007 or 2008. The current dispute only relates to 2006: The ECA subsidy will finish next year. Do you really think that the prospects for 2007 and 2008 will be any different from 2006? We would urge all employee groups to be cautious of the promises that the company are making with respect to the next few years.
Due to the position taken by the bmi board it is looking increasingly likely that there will be a strike action of some sort in the near future. You can be assured that the action will only come about as a last resort and only if all other possible dispute resolution avenues have been exhausted. We are mindful that this action will inevitably impact on employees who deal face to face with our customers. We regret any inconvenience that might be caused to all our fellow employees. We also hope that having taken the time to read this letter you will better understand that the pilots are not looking to be treated in a different way from other employee group. Pilots want ALL employees to be treated with respect and in accordance with whatever industrial agreements they might have. We are very mindful of the way in which the company treats many of its employees. The pilots are seeking to stand up to the company's 'its our way or no way' attitude. We hope we can rely on your support.
Thank you to the many of you who have indicated your support so far.
BALPA Pilot Representatives
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[Quote from Fool's Hole]
The chief pilot on the other hand is a unique gift to the industry (please don't EVER think of leaving!!!).
Cripes!!! you can't possibly be working for mainline!
The chief pilot on the other hand is a unique gift to the industry (please don't EVER think of leaving!!!).
Cripes!!! you can't possibly be working for mainline!