'Who do you support in the BA strike?' poll discussion

Former_MSE_Lawrence

Poll open between 22 - 30 March 2010.

Who do you support in the BA strike?

Nothing is ever black or white, but if you had to side one way over the latest BA strike – where would it be (see the BA statements and the Union statements)?

Which of these deliberately stark options is nearest your view?

A. I support the strike – it's workers views that count. 29% (5799 votes)
B. The strike’s out of order – the management should hold strong. 71% (13891 votes)


Voting has now ended but you can still click 'post reply' to discuss below. Thanks

robin_banks

TRbh I don't know enough to form an informed opinion.

cw18

robin_banks wrote: »

TRbh I don't know enough to form an informed opinion.

In total agreement.

I've not heard or read anything about the dispute (and the links with the poll don't tell me anything I can use to make an informed decision), so don't feel I'm in any position to throw my towel in with one side or the other

williham

Striking is like when kids have a tantrum to get their own way.

happyrichard

It appears to me that those at BA get relatively well paid for what they do and they do not seem to understand what is required to ensure that businesses remain competitive in the current economic climate. I do not completely disagree with the concept of striking, but in this instance, I feel that the crew staff should stand down on this one.

minerva_windsong

I don't feel I know enough about it to have a definite opinion one way or the other, but I'm leaning more towards the angle of 'just be grateful you actually have a job' which is what I normally do when workforces strike.

Astro1_2

happyrichard wrote: »

It appears to me that those at BA get relatively well paid for what they do and they do not seem to understand what is required to ensure that businesses remain competitive in the current economic climate. I do not completely disagree with the concept of striking, but in this instance, I feel that the crew staff should stand down on this one.

Dear happyrichard,
I am BA crew and I love my job. I make around £22000 per year including basic pay (£13000)allowances, overtime and commission (fluctuates up or down), this means I come home with about £1425 per month, living in London and I have been with BA for just over 4 years. Being a competative job to get into, I spent years studying firstly for a diploma in International Hotel Management and then a degree in Business (hospitality and tourism), as well as improving my skills through various jobs in 5 star hotels before applying to BA. My question is, don't you think a company that prides itself on excellence should offer a decent salary package to attract the best applicants? Secondly, you state we dont understand what is required to ensure businesses remain competative in the current economic climate..... Let me assure you we are well aware of the sacrifices we all have to make, we even offered to take a pay cut amongst other things. Your message implies that airlines can only remain competative by slashing employee costs? Airlines can also gain competative advantage by differentiating themselves through excellent customer service by employing the best and most qualified people for the job, not bringing in cheap labour with a high turnover.

bill256

The media allowed Unite to get away with some outrageous claims over the weekend - eg that there were 20 planes parked at Cardiff and Shannon (easily disproved).The BBC repeatedly showed a senior cabin crew member claiming he would lose 40%. BA had actually offered pay rises over the next 2 years to existing staff - but Unite couldn't recommend that (until BA withdrew it)!

Astro1_2

bill256 wrote: »

The media allowed Unite to get away with some outrageous claims over the weekend - eg that there were 20 planes parked at Cardiff and Shannon (easily disproved).The BBC repeatedly showed a senior cabin crew member claiming he would lose 40%. BA had actually offered pay rises over the next 2 years to existing staff - but Unite couldn't recommend that (until BA withdrew it)!

You dont think thay are letting BA get away with some outrageous claims? eg, when releasing figures, combining inbound and outbound flights, codeshares to places BA dont even fly to and wet leased aircraft to bump up their figures? At least the union has asked to negotiate where is BAs CEO?

silverwings55

[FONT=ARIAL,]Here are the figures published by BA for average payments in 2009 for salary, allowances and total:

"Heathrow longhaul:

"CSD £38,006 £18,319 £56,325
"Purser £32,140 £17,670 £49,810
"Main crew £18,693 £16,287 £34,980


"Heathrow shorthaul:

"CSD £38,928 £13,075 £52,003
"Purser £26,149 £12,800 £38,949
"Main crew £13,415 £12,358 £25,773 "

BA point out that in addition to the "allowances" they directly pay all hotel bills. So the "allowances" are to pay the cost of food and entertainment - costs that most workers have to pay for out of their net salaries.


Given the changes in conditions - ie less crew members on certain flights has been ruled as OK bu the high court - I really cant see why you are still striking.

Also - Gatwick have been operating for 3 years with the reduction in crew numbers - The UNITE union agreed to this back then.


GET BACK TO WORK - If you dont like your job - then move on and let someone who WANTS to work take your place.
[/FONT]

schoolrunmum

And be aware that on crew websites they are exhorting crew to vote,then clear their cache and vote again......and again...