British Airways cabin crew overwhelmingly reject company offer, strikes planned

British Airways' union, Unite, announced (07-May-2010) cabin crew have overwhelmingly rejected the carrier's offer relating to the present industrial dispute. Approximately 81% of the crew voted against the offer, in line with the union's recommendation. There was a turnout of 71%. Representatives of the crew will meet with Unite's Joint General Secretaries, Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley, on 10-May-2010 to discuss next moves in the dispute. British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association (Bassa) is reportedly pushing for four five-day strikes each separated by one non-strike day (The Times, 10-May-2010). British Airways stated it is disappointed but not surprised by the result and urged the union to end the action (Reuters/telegraph.co.uk, 07-May-2010). [more]

Unite: "BA management should take note of their own employees' strong rejection of their offer and immediately address the outstanding concerns. They should make no mistake that Unite is fully committed to supporting our members in furthering this dispute if no resolution is found," Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley, Joint General Secretaries. Source: Unite, 07-May-2010.

British Airways: "British Airways is disappointed but not surprised that Unite has clearly orchestrated a rejection of a very fair offer that addresses all the concerns raised during 14 months of talks. There can be nothing positive gained from further strikes. The majority of our crew came to work during the previous strikes and demonstrated their firm commitment to our customers, despite their union's callous disregard for the travelling public. Unlike other businesses and airlines, we have avoided compulsory redundancies. Cabin crew face no pay cut or reduction in terms and conditions, and remain the best rewarded in the UK airline industry. It is not too late for Unite to put an end to this dispute and support our recovery from two consecutive years of record losses and return to sustained profitability and job security for its members," Company Statement. Source: telegraph.co.uk, 07-May-2010.