Unite advises bmi of plans to take pay issue to High Court

Unite announced (20-Sep-2010) plans to take bmi to the High Court after the airline reneged on a GBP6 million pay increase promised to more than 3,000 staff. A three-year pay agreement was entered into in 2007, outlining pay rises in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Due to the economic conditions, Unite accepted a deferral of the 4.75% pay rise due on Apr-2009 to 31-Mar-2010. The union says the final installment was not honoured by bmi, with the airline claiming that doing so would result in job cuts. Staff at bmi last received a pay increase in 2008. The salary agreements include employees at bmi mainline, bmi Regional and bmibaby. [more]

Unite: "Unite is lodging a High Court claim against bmi because the company owes its employees a long overdue pay increase. Staff agreed to defer the increase to help the company during difficult times, they are still waiting for the company to honour its end of the bargain. Staff have not had an increase in earnings since 2008. Lufthansa - which owns bmi - is a huge airline, and employees need reward for their dedication and loyalty. Unite remains available to meet with bmi but we have already made clear what we consider an acceptable solution." Brian Boyd, national officer. Source: Unite, 20-Sep-2010.