MSE News: BAA workers vote to strike, which could shut six UK airports

Nordictat2

dankosheemo wrote: »

OMG just sack the bloomin' lot of them that want to strike and give me a job!! I'm an unemployed NQT and would be grateful for a job at the minute! Needs must and all that. Company doesn't meet it's targets then no bonus, it's that simple. I'm raged!

I'm actually due to fly from Heathrow on the 23rd for a holiday I've been waiting 2 years for. PLEASE DON'T RUIN MY HOLIDAY!!! I did however speak to my airline last night and they can't say anything or give out any options until next week but have said that they're hoping I will still fly despite any strike action. We shall see!

Off to sort some travel insurance as per Martin's advice!

Good luck to any of you flying over the next couple of weeks

Danko xx

I called BMI today and the woman I spoke to said IF there is a strike and my flight is effected than either they will reroute me OR give a refund but my flight isn't til 1st Sept. so I HOPE that they will resolve this B.S over the next few days and everyone will be able to travel because at the moment..I'm a bit stressed..I booked my tripped months ago!
Fingers crossed the GREEDY BAA settle for something because I think we all have had enough with strikes, volcano ash etc. :mad:

roy_harper

I'm stuck I guess. I booked flights over the August bank holiday. I booked with Ryanair, no insurance, but paid with Visa Debit. Can I get any reimbursement does anyone know?

The_Economist

I know its gonna cause a lot of people problems if they do go out on strike and i feel for those affected, BUT!!!. At least someone is standing up for the workers rights. As we have seen time & and time again in this country man on the street gets walked all over by the big Boys or Gals. If you went into work and found that your employer wanted to make major changes to your detriment what would you do. I see to many things our forefathers fought for only to be railroaded into the outer cosmos by a few do gooders that doesn't affect them because they are born with a silver spoon in there Gob and dont live in the real world........

LoopyPrune

RussWWFC wrote: »

For crying out loud, they are at it again. This is getting pretty boring. If they don't turn in for work, start disciplinary proceedings. All of us have to feel some of the pain of the recession in our jobs, they need to keep check with reality. I don't go off in a sulk everytime my job is not to my liking.

Ruining hard working peoples holidays is nasty and vindictive and it is those customers who pay their wages

Unions don't cause this. Cost cutting management cause this. Im a Unite Safety Rep who volunteers his time for the benefit of the men and women I work with. The only way to combat these money saving accountants is to make a stand. So you think a pay freeze followed by a 1% pay offer is acceptable in 2yrs? I say good look to them and you sir need to pull your head out of your !!!!!

Kate75

I booked my travel insurance last month with Virgin Essentials but when I phoned to ask if my accomodation costs would be covered if the strike action goes ahead and airport can't operate I was told I wasn't covered for travel delays. When I asked if I could upgrade my policy to allow for this, I was told I would need to cancel my old policy (which I did). However when I called them this morning to arrange the new policy they told me they would not cover me for travel delays as although strike action isn't yet official and no dates have been given, it is now considered public knowledge that it COULD happen and they wouldn't insure me for travel delays.

I phoned Nationwide and got the same story from them - from a very stroppy customer service advisor I might add!

I've asked Virigin to re-instate my old policy as it looks like the insurance companies aren't going to pay out to anyone who trys to get cover for this possibility after 12 August.

photome

LoopyPrune wrote: »

Unions don't cause this. Cost cutting management cause this. Im a Unite Safety Rep who volunteers his time for the benefit of the men and women I work with. The only way to combat these money saving accountants is to make a stand. So you think a pay freeze followed by a 1% pay offer is acceptable in 2yrs? I say good look to them and you sir need to pull your head out of your !!!!!

I dont disagree with everything you say as I think it is a right for anyone to stand up to bullying management and their terms of employment.

However I have only had 1 very small pay rise in the last 3 years

spiro

dankosheemo wrote: »

Those planning to fly from Heathrow, what options do you think will be available if the strikes go ahead? Do you think some of the airlines might use Gatwick for example, instead as it won't be effected?

Danko xx

I cant see them moving flights to Gatwick especially if its over the bank holiday which is one of the very busy weekends. There is also all the logistical issues.

I'm due to fly with Ryanair from Stansted so will try and move to a Luton flight as soon as any strike is announced. Problem is that in the past Ryanair appear not to allow you to change the booking until the flight is actually cancelled which might not be until the day of travel.

skoff

My question, quite simply is
What are the BAA profit figures. What bonuses are the senior management due to receive. Why aren't these details as widely shouted as the rest???

zorrofox

At least these people are getting a rise, even if it is only 1%! I've had nothing in 3 years. I'm due to fly at the end of the monthand couldn't be more depressed. Having said that it's about time BAA's monopoly on Scottish airports was broken up. There's only one other international airport in Scotland and it's a long way from where I am.

Lynda1959

I work for the local council and as we know they are making redundancies. I have booked a holiday with friends to Portugal and everything is paid for. Not been on one for years, and now this.

I would not fly again, it would be easier to go by coach and ferry although not for everyone. But if as many people as possible avoided flying they would soon get their fingers out and stop money grabbing. Be thankful they have a job..............:mad: