BA cabin crew vote overwhelmingly for strike action
22nd February 2010
Unite the union, the biggest union in aviation, today (Monday)
announced that the ballot of its cabin crew members at British
Airways has resulted in another overwhelming vote for strike action
in the long-running dispute over imposed changes to crew numbers
and working practices.
80.7 per cent of all those who returned their ballot forms voted
yes to industrial action on a 78.7 per cent turnout. 7,482 of crew
members balloted voted yes with 1,789 crew voting no; 11,691 ballot
papers were issued.
However, the union has not announced dates for industrial
action.
Announcing the ballot result, Unite assistant general secretary
Len McCluskey said: "With this overwhelming vote in the teeth of BA
harassment and media misrepresentation, BA's cabin crew have made
clear that the deep sense of grievance they feel about their
treatment by their employer remains.
"Our members are not mindless militants but men and women
committed to their company and their profession, so it is right
that they want to be consulted on changes to their jobs.
"The only way forward for this airline is if all parties can
negotiate a solution to the issues before us. In recent weeks
we have been in serious discussion with BA. We sincerely hope
that the continued strength of the vote by crew will give BA pause
for thought.
"Meaningful negotiations are continuing at the TUC and bringing
them to a successful conclusion is the only way to resolve this
dispute. That is why we are not announcing dates for
industrial action at this stage."
While most, 75 percent, of BA's crew earn only £20,000 at the
top of their earnings, the dispute is not about pay. The
dispute was triggered by the imposition in November 2009 by BA of
new working practices.
Cabin crew are concerned that the reduced crew will impact on
service standards but are also very worried that BA's refusal to
consult on these changes means that the company has broken with the
long-standing negotiating structures, which have delivered
significant flexibility to the company including changes needed
following 9/11 and the SARS outbreak.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Pauline Doyle on 07976
832 861
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