BA Strikes

[Easy 10]

ITN was reporting today that they are striking because BA management, in an attempt to cut costs, have reduced cabin crew on long-haul flights from 15 to 14, and have said that cabin crew "supervisors" must now also serve passengers (rather than just oversee the crew). Unite have decribed this as an "imposition". They are also the highest paid cabin crew staff in the industry, on an average of £29k (the average on Virgin is on just under £15k).

If that reporting is indeed accurate, then BA staff are a bunch of absolute ARSEHOLES for what they are doing to their customers. I'd love to hear them try and justify this.

 

[Jim D]

I flew with Gill Air from Manchester to Newcastle many years ago - a Shorts Bros plane that held about 20, but there were about 6 on the flight. Just before takeoff the stewardess asked us all what we'd like to drink. I said 'Gin & Tonic' so after takeoff she comes along with her trolley and deposits the best part of a litre bottle of Gordons, 2 tins of Schweppes and a glass with lots of ice and a slice. 'Help yourself, I'll be back in a minute' she says and goes off to serve the others. 30 mins later she comes back to relieve me of less than half a bottle of Gin and the other empties. I don't remember anything else about the flight and I was really glad I wasn't driving home. Not surprising they went bust I suppose.

 

[Bluejuice]

ITN was reporting today that they are striking because BA management, in an attempt to cut costs, have reduced cabin crew on long-haul flights from 15 to 14, and have said that cabin crew "supervisors" must now also serve passengers (rather than just oversee the crew). Unite have decribed this as an "imposition". They are also the highest paid cabin crew staff in the industry, on an average of £29k (the average on Virgin is on just under £15k).

If that reporting is indeed accurate, then BA staff are a bunch of absolute ARSEHOLES for what they are doing to their customers. I'd love to hear them try and justify this.

I can't tell you about the company's cost cutting measures but I can confirm the salary info is correct.

It's a horrible level of greed and I really worry about people who can't get along with thirty grand a year, more time off than the rest of us, trips to countries across the world AND a 90% discount on holidays for themselves and their families to use all year round.

Poor lambs

 

[bhaexpress]

Air Europe actually.

They were massive when their parent company ILG collapsed in 91

Our old sponsors British Caledonian were consumed by BA after financial trouble in the late 80s.

You may also remember Dan Air were a fairly big player back in the day too. Airlines seem especially vulnerable to recession. In fact take a look at the number of airlines our country has lost over the years, how many do you remember?:

AB Airlines
ACE Freighters
AV8 Air
Air 2000
Air Anglia
Air Atlanta Europe
Air Caledonian
Air Charter Limited
Air Cordial
Air Europe
Air Ferry Limited
Air Foyle HeavyLift
Air Manchester
Air Scandic
Air Transport Charter
Air UK Leisure
Air Wales
AirUK
Aircraft Transport and Travel
Airflight
Airtours International Airways
Airways International Cymru
Airwork Services
Ambassador Airways
Amber Airways
Aquila Airways
BA Connect
Berlin European UK
Birmingham European Airways
Britannia Airways
British Air Transport
British Airtours
British Airways Helicopters
British Airways Ltd.
British Aviation Services
British Caledonian
British Caribbean Airways
British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines
British Eagle
British European Airways
British Island Airways
British Marine Air Navigation Co Ltd
British NorthWest Airlines B cont.
British Overseas Airways Corporation
British South American Airways
British United Air Ferries
British United Airways
British United Island Airways
British Westpoint Airlines
Brymon Airways
Brymon European Airways
Buzz (airline)
Cal Air
Caledonian Airways
Cambrian Airways
Capital Airlines (UK)
Channel Air Bridge
Channel Airways
Channel Express
City Star Airlines
CityFlyer Express
Community Express Airlines
Court Line
Crilly Airways Ltd
Daimler Airway
Dan-Air
Debonair (airline)
Donaldson International Airways
Duo Airways
Emerald Airways
EuroManx
Eurodirect
Excalibur Airways
Flightline (UK)
FlyWhoosh
Flying Colours (airline)
Flykeen Airways
GB Airways
Gill Airways
Go Fly
Gregg Air
Handley Page Transport
Highland Express Airways
Hunting-Clan Air Transport
IAS Cargo Airlines
Imperial Airways
Instone Air Line I cont.
Intra Airways
Invicta International Airlines
Isle of Man Air Services
JMC Air
Jersey Airlines
Jersey Airways
Jetstream Express
KLM UK
Laker Airways
Lloyd International Airways
London City Airways
Maersk Air UK
Malinair
Manx Airlines
Morton Air Services
MyTravel Airways
MyTravelLite Airlines
Northeast Airlines (UK)
Novair International Airways
Orion Airways
Prime Airlines
Princess Air
Railway Air Services
Redcoat Air Cargo
Scottish Airlines
Silver City Airways
Silverjet
Skysouth
Skyways (British airline)
South West Aviation
Spartan Air Lines Ltd
Starways
Thomsonfly
Tradewinds Airways
Trans European Aviation
Transair (UK)
Transmeridian Air Cargo
UK International Airlines
United Airways Limited
Virgin Sun Airlines
Westminster Airways
XL Airways UK
Zoom Airlines Limited

Hate to tell you this but for most of the eighties and the part of the nineties they were around it was actually Dan Air that was the second biggest airline. Next came Britania whilst BCal and Air Europe were 4th and 5th.

BCal went under because they paid too much for too little, Air Europe when bust because they tried to run before they could barely walk. As a Charter Airline they did okay but it was the collapse of Intasun and the other ILG Tour Operators along with their abortive attempt to compete with BA as a scheduled carrier that put them out of business.

As a matter of fact Dan Air appointed a new MD just before Air Europe went under and it was his bright idea to try to take over the routes that the demise of Air Europe left. This was equally unsuccessful and left Dan Air being sold off to British Airways for One Penny and they in turn, made most of the staff redundant and only kept the newer Boeing 737s from the Dan Air fleet. The remainder were mainly scrapped.

 

[goldstone]

I have a severe disliking of BA having worked for a couple of airlines and airport companies but in this instance I have to say that one of the few things I dislike more are unions. They really do sound like they are simply being selfish and greedy in this case and are more likely to bring an end to BA than get a pay rise.

Have to agree with you, but the fact is that BA management have handled this VERY BADLY. There were opportunities to resolve this way back which BA did not take.

For the past few weeks they have suffered a massive loss of revenue as passengers and travel agents book their competitors to avoid the possible strike.

I strongly believe that the strike will not happen. BA cannot afford it. The country cannot afford it. The government cannot allow it to happen. There will be enormous pressure on Willie Walsh to resolve the matter before the
21st.

 

[goldstone]

ITN was reporting today that they are striking because BA management, in an attempt to cut costs, have reduced cabin crew on long-haul flights from 15 to 14, and have said that cabin crew "supervisors" must now also serve passengers (rather than just oversee the crew). Unite have decribed this as an "imposition". They are also the highest paid cabin crew staff in the industry, on an average of £29k (the average on Virgin is on just under £15k).

If that reporting is indeed accurate, then BA staff are a bunch of absolute ARSEHOLES for what they are doing to their customers. I'd love to hear them try and justify this.

The problem is that if you've been earning 29k you probably have outgoings and a lifestyle that require you to be earning 29k. If your company tries to slash your earnings you're going to protest.

BA must take much of the blame for letting the situation get to this. Salries should have been capped way back.

 

[Mental Lental]

BA has reduced the number of cabin crew from 15 to 14 on all long-haul flights, and has frozen pay for two years.

Unite said that the cuts involved imposing "significant contractual changes" on cabin crew employees, resulting in extended working hours, and reduced wages for new starters.

Source BBC News - British Airways cabin crew vote for Christmas strike

The way I read that nobody is actually losing money.

They are asking staff to work harder for the money they are already getting and promising no pay RISES for 2 years. Reduced wages for new starters!!!!!! well if you don't like the starting salary don't take the job then!!!

Luckily I booked my flight home this Christmas with ANA, but I have friends who want to fly home and be with their families this Christmas that are gutted.

Unions really do suck! When are they gonna realise that the economy is in shit state and that they are gonna have to make at least a few little comprimises.

Unbelievable. Thank f*** the Japanese don't mind working themselves to death for the good of the company or I'd be tucking into sushi roll this Chrimbo.

 

[Arthritic Toe]

Difficult to have any sympathy for the BA staff on this one. There's a recession out there. 'Its a shit sandwich and we all have to take a bite'.

 

[johnhammond]

Flying to Heathrow on the 19th, and back to Seattle on the 3rd so I'm HOPING everything will be ok, but I'm far from confident (for either one of them, especially if it's snowing by that point).

 

[Falmer Flutter ©]

I have a severe disliking of BA having worked for a couple of airlines and airport companies but in this instance I have to say that one of the few things I dislike more are unions. They really do sound like they are simply being selfish and greedy in this case and are more likely to bring an end to BA than get a pay rise.

They aren't striking over pay, but reduced cabin crew on flights and new contracts for new starters. BA management have forced this through now, rather than waiting for a court decision on the matter in February. In fact, the unions tabled a proposal for PAY CUTS to safeguard jobs. This was rejected.

 

[Easy 10]

The problem is that if you've been earning 29k you probably have outgoings and a lifestyle that require you to be earning 29k. If your company tries to slash your earnings you're going to protest.

BA must take much of the blame for letting the situation get to this. Salries should have been capped way back.

They're not touching the wages, the trolly-dollys will still be getting their £30k. This isn't a strike about money, and nobodys being made redundent. Its about changes to their working practices, ie reducing long-haul crew from 15 to 14, and asking supervisors to muck-in and help with serving passengers. The union says this is an "imposition" on the staff.

Quite, quite unblievable. Are the BA cabin crew living in the real world ? Staff levels at my place of work have been cut by 25-30% in this recession, we're ALL having to take on extra responsibilities and workloads due to reduced numbers. I'm just grateful to still be in a job, as no doubt most of the working population is.

The PERKS these people get is unbelievable as well, compared with others in their industry. There was a guy on the radio this morning from an independent aviation magazine saying that, as an example, Easyjet staff fly out to Sharm el Sheikh, and within 1-2 hours of landing are back in the air on their return shift. Whereas the standard practice when BA staff land at Sharm is for them to be put up in a top hotel for a couple of days, all expenses covered, before they do their return.

f*** it, I'm in the wrong job here. If they want to sack their striking waiters and waitresses, I think I'll be applying. I can put on a good MINCE and a camp accent if I need to.

 

[sten_super]

They aren't striking over pay, but reduced cabin crew on flights and new contracts for new starters. BA management have forced this through now, rather than waiting for a court decision on the matter in February. In fact, the unions tabled a proposal for PAY CUTS to safeguard jobs. This was rejected.

As I understand it (and quite happy to be told I'm wrong) the reduced cabin crew on flights involves going from 15 to 14, meaning that the cabin manager will actually have to muck in. Hardly a huge cut is it?

Perhaps BA management have forced this through because they URGENTLY need to do something about their costs? They did lose £292m in the 6 months to September, and expect the losses for the next 6 month period to be greater. Hardly time to be sitting on their hands is it?

Absolutely no sympathy for the union from me, the bunch of selfish bastards.

 

[Mellor 3 Ward 4]

The problem is that if you've been earning 29k you probably have outgoings and a lifestyle that require you to be earning 29k. If your company tries to slash your earnings you're going to protest.

BA must take much of the blame for letting the situation get to this. Salries should have been capped way back.

From what I understand, there is a two year pay freeze, and reduced starting salaries for new employees. Also 15 crew down to 14 on a lang haul flight.

IMO in today's climate none of these measures sounds THAT bad - yes a two year pay freeze is not good news but when you are beng paid double what the competition (Virgin) pays then it doesn't sound too bad.

I watched the guy from UNITE on TV last night trying to justify their action, and he really didn't seem to have a grasp of what the current economic climate is like at the moment - especially in the aviation industry.

When BA goes, and all their members are looking for new jobs, I hope they feel proud of themselves.

 

[JJ McClure]

They aren't striking over pay, but reduced cabin crew on flights and new contracts for new starters. BA management have forced this through now, rather than waiting for a court decision on the matter in February. In fact, the unions tabled a proposal for PAY CUTS to safeguard jobs. This was rejected.

My point remains the same however be it about pay or conditions all they are likely to end up with if they carry this out is a benefits cheque. I expect it is mainly aimed at trying to force BA back to the negotiating table.

 

[Falmer Flutter ©]

As I understand it (and quite happy to be told I'm wrong) the reduced cabin crew on flights involves going from 15 to 14, meaning that the cabin manager will actually have to muck in. Hardly a huge cut is it?

Perhaps BA management have forced this through because they URGENTLY need to do something about their costs? They did lose £292m in the 6 months to September, and expect the losses for the next 6 month period to be greater. Hardly time to be sitting on their hands is it?

Absolutely no sympathy for the union from me, the bunch of selfish bastards.

No, you're right. I was just pointing out that this dispute is not over pay. And you're right in saying that BA urgently need to cut costs. However, if you're in negotiations with a union and a court decision is not due until February, you can't blame the union – and BA's workforce – from being a bit peeved when the management just push through their plans regardless. That shows staggering arrogance and it's backfired.

Oh, and can I just point out that I am actually pro BA on this, but the way they have handled these negotiations has been disastrous.

 

[Bevendean Hillbilly]

A 9-1 vote in favour of industrial action is pretty dammning of the way that Willy walsh has gone about this but the Union are entirely culpable as well.

BA have been a aspirational employer for pretty much all the no-frill bods for years now precisely because of the cushiness of their jobs compared to other carriers staff.

The BA pension deficit is higher than their entire value so striking now really is stupid.

I think I'd take a pay freeze and a bit of extra work if I knew that my employer was in such a shit state.

 

[bhaexpress]

Never had any sympathy for BA staff what so ever. Overpaid and underworked compared to the employees of airlines such as Easyjet, especially the Cabin Staff. The fact that their selfishness is liable to screw up a lot of people's Christmas nakes me very angry. The fact that like so many other organisations BA are losing money hand over fist seems to have not got through to them.

What's so ridiculous is that unlike other transport methods such as trains or buses there are alternatives to British Airways, I bet Easyjet to name but one are already running their hands with glee.

 

[Superphil]

f*** it, I'm in the wrong job here. If they want to sack their striking waiters and waitresses, I think I'll be applying. I can put on a good MINCE and a camp accent if I need to.

Good point, I reckon I could just about get by on £30K a year, sadly I cannot MINCE, but good luck to yer Easy

From what I understand, there is a two year pay freeze, and reduced starting salaries for new employees. Also 15 crew down to 14 on a lang haul flight.

Only a 2 year pay freeze? Shit where I work we've been on a pay freeze for 18 months now, and there is no sign of it changing any time soon. And starting salaries, what is a starting salary? We can't afford to start anyone new right now.
And as for 14 of them actually working on long haul, cheeky fuckers. I flew long haul with them earlier this year (Singapore), 2 hours or so into the flight they shut down all the lights and f***ed off to their cots, leaving us with no waiters or waitresses to call for about 3 hours. I imagine they were hoping we'd all go to sleep. well I didn't go to sleep, it was the middle of the f***ing day, I just got up and helped myself to the booze and grub in the galley, while watching all the movies. What's the point of putting staff on a plane if there are going to sleep for a quarter of the flight?

They are going to get very little sympathy on this. The end of BA? Possibly.

 

[patchamalbion]

jokers really,they earn around £30k a year whilst Virgin pay their staff a measly £16-18k,the airline really is dying on its arse.My mum worked for them for 20 odd years and all of her mates that remain are being made redundant,the lucky ones are getting headhunted by emirates/air malaysia etc. glad my world cup flights arent with them but then again i have flown with them for 20 years and never had any major problems...guess iv been lucky

 

[Benny Seagull]

Anyone else affected?

Ourselves together with another family are booked with BA to go to Budapest for 3 nights on the 29th .

Looks like we'll be looking for somewhere else to spend this year's NYE.

i'm also off to budapest for nye but not sure if affected. on the confirmation it says that malev air is flying us over on belhalf of ba. am i right in thinking my trip away is dead and burried?!