BA battles it out with Unite

News at Gatwick 19/11/2009

Frugla holidays to beat the crunch : November 2009 : BA strike to affect thousands of fliers

Measures to save money prove unpopular

A letter sent to Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson the joint secretaries of Unite, from the management of British Airways, has lain out in no uncertain terms that BA will not tolerate any union members promoting strike action whilst at work. The union has begun balloting 14,000 cabin crew on industrial action and the results will be known on December 14th and if there is a YES vote the first strikes could take place as early as December 21st in time for Christmas.

Workers have been banned from handing out leaflets whilst on company property and from wearing badges on their uniforms that promotes strike action. Members of BA staff have been putting stickers on passenger’s luggage and the interior of aircraft which say “Vote Yes”.

Head of industrial relations, Bill O’Shaughnessy, said that BA will reserve the right to recover cleaning costs from the union and may also consider criminal damage charges against individuals.

BA are trying to push ahead with measures that would help them save £140 million a year from its cabin crew budget, the company has so far made a loss of £292 million in the six months to September. The measures include a two year pay freeze, lower pay for new recruits and reduced allowances for long haul travel.

Frugla holidays to beat the crunch : November 2009 : BA strike to affect thousands of fliers

Parking at Gatwick

SAVE up to 50% at Gatwick Airport Car Parks. Pre-book to guarantee your booking for at the best price. Pre-book to guarantee the best prices for your booking at .

LGW