Unite response to Phoenix aircraft evacuation
11th July 2009
Unite, the largest union in aviation, today urged BA to learn
from the Phoenix aircraft evacuation last night and work with the
union to maintain its dedicated cabin crew.
Steve Turner, Unite national secretary for aviation said: "I
want to pay a personal tribute to the professionalism of Unite's BA
cabin crew members who last night averted what could have been a
very dangerous incident without serious injury.
"When evacuating nearly 350 people from a smoke-filled aircraft,
it is the well-trained, experienced crew that make all the
difference to passengers.
"What happened in Phoenix exemplifies what makes BA top for
customer care, and underpins the case we are making in our on-going
discussions with the company for protecting crew numbers and
retaining experienced staff on aircraft."
Unite has tabled proposals on pay and productivity to BA which
will reduce costs to the airline massively yet preserve the service
to passengers. However, the proposals have not been accepted by the
airline. Unite is the largest union at BA and represents 11,000
cabin crew members working for the airline.
ENDS
Email to a friend
