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British Airways workers use lemings in cost-cutting protest
14 Jul 2009British Airways (BA) workers will use live lemmings to protest at the firm's cost-cutting plans outside what promises to be a stormy annual meeting today.
The protesters will have two cages with 12 of the creatures outside the annual meeting in central London, and will hold up placards targeting chief executive Willie Walsh.
Mr Walsh warned that BA was facing a fight for survival as he sought agreement on thousands of job cuts and a two-year pay freeze as part of drastic measures to save hundreds of millions of pounds.
The airline is seeking the changes after making record losses of £400 million and facing a drop in demand for air travel because of the recession.
As well as the lemmings protest, union members will hand out letters to shareholders as they arrive for the AGM in London on Tuesday, seeking their support for an agreement.
The letter from Unite to shareholders states: "We firmly believe that the proposed changes cut so deep into operations that they could eliminate any hope the airline has of returning to its rightful position as the world's leading airline...
"Attempts to present these changes as a fight for survival are not only misguided, they are also talking down the airline of which we are fiercely proud, destabilising the business and putting into jeopardy the futures of 40,000 employees.
"We are not a low cost airline and cannot compete in this market. We do not employ cheap labour on short-term contracts with little future within the company."
It was disclosed on Friday that cabin crew had offered to take a 2.6% pay cut and have no salary rise until February 2011 to help the airline.
Unite put forward the offer as part of a series of pay and productivity proposals, which officials said would achieve "substantial" savings.
A deadline for agreeing about 3,700 job cuts and a two-year pay freeze as well as changes to conditions passed without a deal on June 30 and talks are continuing to try to break the deadlock.
BA workers held a series of meetings at Heathrow yesterday to be updated on the talks and on the unions' attempts to help make savings.
Union officials will remind shareholders that BA posted record profits of £883 million the previous year.
It was disclosed over the weekend that Mr Walsh had won backing for a potential rights issue from the firm's biggest shareholders.
One analyst said the airline could be forced to call on shareholders for up to £500 million to shore up its finances.
Steve Turner, national officer of Unite, said BA's rejection of the union's proposals meant the workforce had "no other option" but to appeal to shareholders for their help in securing the best agreement for the long-term future of the airline.
"This is a great airline and we will not stand by and see it run into the ground by an assault on the very things which make it great - its staff and their dedication to their customers.
"So we are appealing to the chief executive to stop talking this airline down. Change course, Willie. Avoid a confrontation, back these plans which have the agreement of your workforce and will deliver serious and speedy cost savings to the business."
Mick Rix, national officer of the GMB said: "Employees have always backed BA and demonstrated a willingness to respond to circumstances and events that threaten the future of the airline.
"They do so because they recognise and value the company, and want to be part of the effort to revive its fortunes.
"The 2008 staff survey showed 89% of employees were committed to helping BA achieve its goals, with 80% proud to work for BA. That is why progress needs to be made at the talks and the lemming-like behaviour of BA management must stop."
It was announced yesterday that BA pilots have overwhelmingly accepted the 2.6% pay cut as part of a package of measures to save the airline £26 million.
The British Airline Pilots Association said that as part of the deal, pilots would receive shares in the company in three years' time worth £13 million.
Reader views (3)
BA are in Catch 22 situation here...Nobody wants to loose their jobs but if no Compromise or Agreement is not reached then the inevitable will happen?..I don't think anyone wants to be standing in Willie Walsh's shoes.In the end Tough Times demand Tough Decisions...As one of the 2m unemployed I would work for BA tomorrow on half the Salary just to have a job!
- Mark, London, 14/07/2009 09:44
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Of course the pilots have accepted this deal. They have been looked after by Willie Walsh. The average wage of a BA pilot is £116,000 and after the paycut it will be £113,000. What they don't disclose is that there are increments in this deal which means that their salaries will raise to £117,000 by the end of the year. £1000 better off than they are now!.......and then they get £13m worth of shares between them in a couple of years.
Would Willie offer that to the rest of BA?......I think we know the answer to that.
The sooner that Willie Walsh is sacked, the better for everyone at BA.....except the pilots that is.
- Jim Davies, Heathrow, 14/07/2009 09:26
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I have been with BA for 17 years and have always been proud to work for our airline until now. Through this dispute I have grow tired of the constant apologies for the deficiencies in the product due to the miss guided decisions of our management.
I have been prepared to carry on going the extra mile to try and remedy the many concerns and complaints from our customers in order to support our business and get through these difficult times.
I feel i receive a fair wage for my commitment. Would you be happy after so long with your employer and after giving so much to be told your salary was being halved.
For those of you who have had the pleasure of flying with Ryanair this is the kind of service and commitment you can expect in the future if you support Mr Walsh. Fine maybe for a short flight but not on longhaul when paying a premium for economy seats or traveling Business and First.
- Simon, Surrey, 14/07/2009 09:08
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