This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/business/8325917.stm
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Strike ballot for BA cabin crew | Strike ballot for BA cabin crew |
(10 minutes later) | |
The Unite union has said it will ballot 14,000 of its members who work as cabin crew at British Airways about whether to take strike action. | The Unite union has said it will ballot 14,000 of its members who work as cabin crew at British Airways about whether to take strike action. |
Unions and management have been in talks since the announcement of cost-cutting measures earlier this month. | Unions and management have been in talks since the announcement of cost-cutting measures earlier this month. |
BA had said it would cut 1,700 jobs and freeze pay for current staff. | BA had said it would cut 1,700 jobs and freeze pay for current staff. |
The airline said it had been discussing these changes with unions since June, but would go ahead with them without reaching an agreement. | The airline said it had been discussing these changes with unions since June, but would go ahead with them without reaching an agreement. |
'Frank' talks | |
"BA management's determination to impose unacceptable contractual changes on cabin crew leaves us no alternative," said Derek Simpson, general secretary of the Unite union. | "BA management's determination to impose unacceptable contractual changes on cabin crew leaves us no alternative," said Derek Simpson, general secretary of the Unite union. |
"Negotiation, not imposition, is the only proper way to conduct industrial relations." | "Negotiation, not imposition, is the only proper way to conduct industrial relations." |
BA said on 6 September that the changes were necessary. | BA said on 6 September that the changes were necessary. |
"Without changes, we will continue to lose more money with every month that passes," the airline said. | "Without changes, we will continue to lose more money with every month that passes," the airline said. |
"It is essential we make ourselves more efficient if we are to ensure our long-term survival." | "It is essential we make ourselves more efficient if we are to ensure our long-term survival." |
BA expects to report a big loss for this year, which will be its second in a row. | |
In common with most airlines, it has been hit by falling passenger numbers in the recession as well as the volatility of fuel prices. | |
Last week, British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh held "open and frank" talks with union leaders to try to avoid cabin crew balloting for strike action. | |
The job cuts are part of a total of 3,700 jobs set to be axed over the next year. |