DISCUSS: Is there support for British Airways cabin crew strike?
8:38am Monday 22nd March 2010 in
AS BRITISH Airways cabin crew begin their third day of strike action we want to know what you think about the dispute.
Airline management and union leaders are continuing their war of words but will either side win and will the true losers be the passengers?
The strike started on Saturday with flights from Heathrow seemingly more affected than Gatwick and the other British airports.
Unite and BA are disagreeing about the impact of the first two days of a three-day walkout, giving different statements about the numbers supporting the action.
Yesterday (March 21), joint leader of the Unite union Tony Woodley called on BA chairman Martin Broughton and sensible directors to intervene in the dispute.
He said he was certain the vast majority of Unite members had taken industrial action, adding: "Contrary to the spin from the company about this strike collapsing, only nine cabin crew have broken ranks and 80 have gone sick.
"I am now appealing to the BA chairman and sensible members of the board to use their influence, put passengers first, and return to the negotiating table for the good of everyone.
“It is quite obvious this strike is in no-one's interest.
“We need a negotiated settlement."
But BA said it had reinstated a number of cancelled flights this weekend after more crew than expected turned up for work.
A spokesman said that as of 6pm on Sunday, 97.6 per cent of Gatwick crew had reported to work as normal and 52 per cent of Heathrow crew.
Posting a video statement on YouTube, BA chief executive Willie Walsh said there had been a "good atmosphere" among BA staff at Heathrow on Sunday, and claimed a large number of cabin crew had turned up for work.
He added: "We promised we would keep BA flying, that's exactly what we've done. I'm delighted that so many people in British Airways have come together to make sure that we keep the flag flying."
The three days of strike action end today, but a further four-day walkout is planned from next Saturday.
Do you think the Unite members are right to strike or do you support BA? Add your comments below.
Comments(3)
HarryB
says...
9:03am Mon 22 Mar 10
A judge says it was. BA say it was. The staff at Gatwick, who've been working with those numbers for years, say it was.
Only the hardcore, overpaid lazy BASSA militants say it wasn't, and they should all be fired. There are thousands of unemployed cabin crew from other airlines that would jump at the chance to replace them - and would probably make flying BA a lot better than it is with these miserable old sourpusses on board.
Dartford1968
says...
1:52pm Mon 22 Mar 10
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Erastus says...
8:55am Mon 22 Mar 10
What a great life - good money, expenses paid, suites in the best hotels AND a bit of 'ladies & gentlemen, ladies & ladies and gentlemen & gentlemen', every night of the week.
Sorry,cabin crew, but it's time to come back to earth and face a bit of reality.