Unite releases report on bullying at BA
Unite released (10-Jan-2011) a report detailing what the union describes as "a culture of staff being bullied and victimised" at British Airways. The report stated that a confidential survey of 2000 BA staff from Nov-2010 revealed 75% of staff have witnessed or been subject to bullying at the airline. Unite called for an immediate meeting with the airline to discuss the findings, which the union stated is harming the business. British Airways rejected the findings of the report and workplace bullying at the airline (The Guardian, 10-Jan-2011.) [more]
British Airways: "We utterly refute Unite's claims ... As a responsible company we do not tolerate the bullying or harassment of any of our 40,000 colleagues. The company has an established disciplinary process that is consistent across the airline, has been in place for many years and has been agreed with all of the airline's recognised trade unions, including Unite." Spokesperson. Source: Guardian, 10-Jan-2011.
Unite: "This survey shows that the company's macho management has pitched colleagues against one another. BA urgently needs to do a corporate U-turn and sit down with Unite representatives to address this bullying epidemic ... The message of this survey has to be, Mr Walsh and the BA board - your war on your workforce is ruining this once great airline. You have the power to end this misery and restore this airline to the place of public affection it once deserved. For your customers, shareholders and workforce, the glaring question now is why you choose not to." Tony Woodley, secretary. Source: Unite, 10-Jan-2011.
Meanwhile, Unite is in the process of balloting 10,000 cabin crew members over work conditions and treatment of staff. Secretary designate Len McCluskey warned cabin crews are expected to vote "strongly" in favour of strike action.
Unite: "If the company [British Airways] believes they have broken the spirit of the cabin crew, they should have been at this meeting to witness the anger of people." Len McCluskey, general secretary designate. Source: TTG Live, 10-Jan-2011.