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Almost 7,000 British Airways staff have applied for voluntary pay cuts, including 800 who said they will work unpaid for up to a month, the airline announced today.
Of the 40,000-strong workforce, 6,940 employees had volunteered for unpaid leave, part-time working or unpaid work by June 24, which the company said will save up to £10 million.
Chief executive Willie Walsh, who has already announced that he will work unpaid for the month of July, said: "This is a fantastic first response. I want to thank everyone who has volunteered to help us pull through this difficult period.
"This response clearly shows the significant difference individuals can make."
Options offered to staff included volunteering for between one and four weeks' unpaid leave or unpaid work, with the pay deduction spread over three or six months.
Staff who have offered to work unpaid will still receive shift allowances and other payments, although they will forego their basic pay.
BA said around 4,000 staff had volunteered for unpaid leave, 1,400 will switch to part-time work and 800 put their names forward for unpaid work, while 740 overseas staff also volunteered to take part in the cost-saving drive.
The airline has been looking to slash costs as part of its survival plan after unveiling an annual loss of £400 million.
Around 2,500 jobs have been cut since last summer and the airline wants to shed another 3,000 posts across its business.
Talks are being held with union leaders to agree a pay and jobs package as part of the cash-saving drive, with Mr Walsh setting a deadline of June 30 for reaching agreement.
Around 10,000 of BA's 40,000 staff already work part-time.
Reader views (5)
I hope all the directors and executives follow suit and go the extra mile and not get paid for two months, the people on £15,000- £20,000 will hurt more by losing a months money than the bosses.
- Brian, Wiltshire, 26/06/2009 00:11
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Stop press: World Class Airline reliant on free labour. I think they called it slavery a hundred years or so ago. Well done the powers that be, they must be thoroughly pleased with themselves. Then once the poor workers can't pay their bills, throw them in gaol!
- Stuart, London, 25/06/2009 22:53
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The impression I have is that BA is not so good anymore.
- Jacqueline, Hampstead, London, 25/06/2009 22:09
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While i applaud the effort and commitment, of the bottom line worker in BA in this exercise. The token gesture of the upper management in this i feel should be doubled.
In that if the base workers do this for a month, then the top management should do it for two months at least. Because as they earn the most, the savings would be noticed more if they do this surely.
I wait and see....
- Gary, London, 25/06/2009 21:01
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And now apply exactly the same standards to MPs. They're not worth what they get now, and they certainly shouldn't get a pay rise for at least five years. Then we'll see if the number of applicants decreases. Bet it doesn't. They know they're on to a good thing. And let's face it, the calibre of applicants couldn't get any lower. Who knows, we may finally get a few HONEST people in Parliament.
.
- L.Taubler, London / ENGLAND, 25/06/2009 17:45
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