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Strike ballot for BA cabin crew | Strike ballot for BA cabin crew |
(about 2 hours later) | |
British Airways has said it is "disappointed" by the Unite union's decision to ballot 14,000 cabin crew about whether to take strike action. | British Airways has said it is "disappointed" by the Unite union's decision to ballot 14,000 cabin crew 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. |
"Management's determination to impose unacceptable contractual changes on cabin crew leaves us no alternative," said Unite union boss Derek Simpson. | "Management's determination to impose unacceptable contractual changes on cabin crew leaves us no alternative," said Unite union boss Derek Simpson. |
"Negotiation, not imposition, is the only proper way to conduct industrial relations." | "Negotiation, not imposition, is the only proper way to conduct industrial relations." |
Pay increases | Pay increases |
In a statement, BA denied it would be cutting pay, and said: "Our current cabin crew remain the best paid in the country by some way." | In a statement, BA denied it would be cutting pay, and said: "Our current cabin crew remain the best paid in the country by some way." |
It added: "In fact some 75% of crew will receive a pay scale increase worth between 2% and 7% this year and again next year." | It added: "In fact some 75% of crew will receive a pay scale increase worth between 2% and 7% this year and again next year." |
Mr Walsh flew to Las Vegas on Sunday on BA's inaugural direct flight | Mr Walsh flew to Las Vegas on Sunday on BA's inaugural direct flight |
BA expects to report a big loss for this year, which will be its second in a row. | BA expects to report a big loss for this year, which will be its second in a row. |
It has said that the changes are essential to its survival. | It has said that the changes are essential to its survival. |
In common with most airlines, it has been hit by falling passenger numbers in the recession as well as the volatility of fuel prices. | In common with most airlines, it has been hit by falling passenger numbers in the recession as well as the volatility of fuel prices. |
The job cuts are part of a total of 3,700 jobs set to be axed over the next year. | The job cuts are part of a total of 3,700 jobs set to be axed over the next year. |
'Absolutely unacceptable' | |
"Its cabin crew costs are much higher than its rivals, in particular people like Easyjet and Virgin Atlantic," said Simon Calder, travel editor of the Independent. | "Its cabin crew costs are much higher than its rivals, in particular people like Easyjet and Virgin Atlantic," said Simon Calder, travel editor of the Independent. |
"What BA decided to do unilaterally after months and months of talks... is to remove one senior member of cabin crew from each flight to and from Heathrow." | "What BA decided to do unilaterally after months and months of talks... is to remove one senior member of cabin crew from each flight to and from Heathrow." |
Union members were already due to hold an emergency meeting on Monday, 2 November. | Union members were already due to hold an emergency meeting on Monday, 2 November. |
The changes are due to come into effect on 16 November. | The changes are due to come into effect on 16 November. |
"This is completely and absolutely unacceptable," said Steve Turner, Unite's national officer for civil aviation. | |
"It's more work being done by less people, providing a worse service, on the UK's national flag-carrier." | |
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. | 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. |
Mr Walsh is currently in Las Vegas, having flown there on Sunday on BA's inaugural direct flight to the US city. | Mr Walsh is currently in Las Vegas, having flown there on Sunday on BA's inaugural direct flight to the US city. |