British Airways Cabin Crew Vote To Strike
[Updated] A recent vote to strike by British Airways cabin crew is threatening to possibly disrupt holiday travel plans, with work action potentially beginning later this month.
A Telegraph story says, “British Airways passengers face disruption to flights over Christmas and the New Year after cabin crew voted overwhelmingly in favour of strikes.
“Unite said its members backed walkouts by 4-1, giving the green light to strikes that could begin as early as December 21. The pay dispute involves cabin crew who have joined the airline since 2010, with Unite claiming they earn less than other staff. Turnout in the ballot was 60 per cent.
“Unite said it was consulting reps over potential strike dates, with the union compelled to give BA seven days notice of strikes. It comes as Britain remains in the grip of a walkout by Southern Rail staff that has caused travel chaos for hundreds of thousands of commuters.”
A story in the Sun says, “Strike action could begin after December 21 but Unite is refusing to confirm whether it will affect travellers over Christmas.
“BA said the union’s threat is “creating uncertainty” for passengers. About 2,000 BA cabin crew voted overwhelmingly to stage a walk out at Heathrow Airport. According to a recent Unite survey, half of Mixed Fleet staff have taken on second jobs to make ends meet. It comes as cabin crew rejected a 2% pay rise.
“Tensions have been running high over pay and conditions at the airline. The dispute involves cabin crew who have joined the airline since 2010, with Unite claiming they earn less than other staff. Earnings were advertised between £21,00 and £25,000 per year. But Unite say in reality it starts at just over £12,00 plus £3 an hour.”
Update 10.30am: A British Airways spokesperson said, “We are extremely disappointed that the union is creating uncertainty for our customers.
“Mixed Fleet Unite represents about 15 percent of our cabin crew.
“We remain focused on resolving this issue as quickly as possible without any disruption to customers.
“We have proposed a fair and reasonable pay increase to Mixed Fleet cabin crew which is in line with that accepted by other British Airways colleagues and which will ensure their reward levels remain in line with cabin crew at our airline competitors.”
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Most of the coverage seems to indicate that disruption will be focused on Heathrow flights.
As much as I disagree with strike action I hope the biuPLP take note that this is proper procedure . They gave plenty notice of their intentions days if not weeks before they strike unlike the chaos that happens here on the same day. #downwithunions