BA suspends cabin crew member, strike fears raised

Unite announced (23-Nov-2010) a "long-standing" British Airways cabin crew member has been suspended after reportedly launching a Christmas collection for suspended and sacked colleagues (Telegraph, 23-Nov-2010). The suspension has raised fears of another strike vote before Christmas. [more]

Unite: "It beggars belief that at this sensitive moment in industrial relations at British Airways, management should seek to take disciplinary action against a long-standing employee for collecting funds for Christmas gifts for sacked or suspended cabin crew colleagues. This meets nobody's definition of 'gross industrial misconduct' and has led to a wave of outrage among BA cabin crew ... This suspension exemplifies the bullying and vindictive attitude rife among some BA managers which I have repeatedly told you represents a major barrier to any settlement of our current dispute. I am urging you to intervene to lift Andrea's suspension immediately, failing which the consequences will rest entirely with management." Tony Woodley, Joint General Secretary. Source: Unite, 23-Nov-2010.

British Airways: "A member of cabin crew has been suspended following an allegation of bullying and harassment. The company's disciplinary process has been in place for many years and was agreed with all of its unions, including Unite. As a responsible company, we would not divulge details of individual cases." Spokesman. Source: Telegraph, 23-Nov-2010.