New BA CEO seeks fresh start with cabin crews

British Airways' new CEO, Keith Williams, stated he is looking for a "fresh start" in handling labour relations at the airline, after telling they at the "heart" of the brand (The Telegraph, 02-Mar-2011). The CEO has sent a letter to all 13,500 flight attendants saying he wants "a new start. I want a positive relationship with all cabin crew whether in Unite or not." Unite, which represents BA cabin crew, has commenced its fourth ballot for industrial action. Len McCluskey, general secretary, stated he is "pleased at the tone of this changed approach".