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Cabin crew at British Airways ‘back strike action again’
Dick Murray, Transport Correspondent18 Feb 2010
British Airways cabin crew have voted in favour of strike action, say union sources.
The result of the latest ballot among 12,000 crew will be declared by the Unite union on Monday.
A mass meeting on Thursday will hear demands for a series of walkouts. The union has ruled out stoppages over Easter.
Talks continue between BA and Unite in a dispute over a pay freeze, job cuts and changes to working conditions.
Much will depend on the result, expected tomorrow, of a High Court challenge by Unite which aims to halt BA's cost-cutting.
The company says it must make changes to survive in the midst of a competitive market and a recession which has meant fewer passengers.
The previous ballot, before Christmas, resulted in a 92 per cent vote in favour of strike action.
But it was ruled illegal following a High Court challenge by BA, on the grounds the vote had included members who had already left the firm. That prompted a fresh ballot.
BA has already introduced some changes to cabin crew on its Worldwide and Eurofleet flights.
It is training 500 volunteers from existing staff. These would work alongside cabin crew who choose not to take part in walkouts.
Reader views (9)
Have you ever seen a union "executive' lose their job with the union. Do members ever get to see what salary and perks they are providing their masters?
- Richard, Pulborough, 19/02/2010 10:06
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The ballot hasn't closed yet? Is this report correct?
- Juliette, London, 19/02/2010 00:04
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Bearing in mind that the ballot doesn't close till Monday 22 Feb and is being counted by independant scrutineers, I would be interested to know how a so called union official can be privy to ANY information about which way the ballot will go.
- Mraba, London, 18/02/2010 21:40
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So much grief and aggravation. I'm sorry for the loyal cabin crew who are swept up in this farce. Meanwhile, I note that BA booking are slipping again. What an intelligent way to destroy the company that pays your wages.
Passengers are, inevitably, booking with other airlines that offer a reasonable guarantee of delivering the flight. I earnestly hope that BA survives this fluttering of Union muscle. They're not that bad an airline, all things considered.
- Passenger Fred, Great Britain, 18/02/2010 19:37
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as a unite member for 32years i,m ashamed.these fat cat union leaders,elected for life need sorting out.
- George, france, 18/02/2010 16:38
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do these BA staff actually realise what long term damage they are doing to BA? I typically fly to the USA 4 or 5 times a yeara, Europe 15+ times and internally to scotland 15-20 times. Last year, i contributed over £10,000 to BA income - but now i am moving to alternative carriers. Multiply this by the 3000 people at our company who fly regularly, and this could mean a loss per annum of £3million - just from our company! The UNITE Unioin will not be happy till BA is consigned to the dustbin of British Companies who went to the wall because of ill thought out, ill judged strike action - look at Triumph, BL, Bitish Steel.....all long gone.
- Gary, high wycombe, 18/02/2010 15:46
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UNITE earns around £264 million a year from its members (2 million people each paying £132) so its in their best interest to give its members the impression its helping them. But in reality its only damaging BA's brand, share price and its reliability.
Travel agents are now booking other airlines and regular / potential BA customers are doing the same. A strike will only further damage BA. Everybody knows that BA needs to reduce its costs to achieve a healthy balance sheet.
Over the past year every UK resident has made some kind of financial sacrifice to keep their job. The cabin crew should realise that by voting for a strike they will eventually ruin their own company. If its so unpleasant to work for BA you are free to go and apply to any another airline.
UNITE is not run by business men/women, they seem to keep forgetting that for every £1 you make 80% is used to cover all operating costs. Over 50% is spent on salaries alone.
Did we see any staff from any UK bank, Woolworths or other struggling company go on strike last year?
- George, London, 18/02/2010 14:33
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So the company is losing millions and you want to go on strike. Bit like turkeys voting for Christmas.
- Graham, Reading, England, 18/02/2010 14:26
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Bye bye BA.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 18/02/2010 14:02
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