BA Is Shite

BA Is Shite

Text

The latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline.

Sunday, 19 December 2010

BA Criticised Over Cancellations

BA's decision to stop flights because of the snow has been criticised by aviation experts.

See The Telegraph.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Friday, 10 December 2010

Delays IV

My much delayed flight to Stockholm finally took off at 18:00 (almost 4 hours late).

I finally got to the bottom of the reason for the delay. It seems that a combination of heavy snowfall and a lack of de-icing equipment in Frankfurt caused the delay.

Whilst BA cannot be held responsible for the weather or probably the lack of de-icing equipment, BA should have communicated the reasons for the delay to their customers.

On board, despite that fact that it was well past "teatime", afternoon tea was served.

The reason?

Catering is now provided by DHL who, so I am advised, aren't very good at "customer care".

The two finger sandwiches were an inadequate repast, and were of poor quality (total lack of taste and frozen bread).

That is what you get when you hire a logistics company to provide the catering!

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Thursday, 9 December 2010

Delays III

A further delay in the departure of my flight to Stockholm has just been announced, it will now depart (unless this estimate is wrong as well) at 17:02 (almost 3 hours late).

BA staff still have no explanation for the delay.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Delays II

It seems that today is going to be a tedious travel day, courtesy of BA.

My flight to Stockholm, originally scheduled to depart at 14:15, is now scheduled to depart at 16:15 (a further delay of 30 mins from the earlier delay notice posted by BA).

I have asked BA staff here as to why there is a delay, they do not know.

Well done BA!

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Delays

BA has the pleasure of my custom today on a flight to Stockholm

In keeping with tradition, the flight is delayed by 1.5 hours.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Monday, 29 November 2010

BA Strike Update - Another Ballot

British Airways cabin crew are to be balloted again, in 7 days time, over possible new strike action.

In the event that they vote for further strike action, the strike cannot take place until 2011.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Friday, 26 November 2010

BA Strike Update - Don't Go On Holiday

The new leader of Unite (voted in by 7% of the members), Len McCluskey, has told BA customers:

"Watch this space. Don't go on holiday."

Pathetic, it's the customers who pay BA's wages!

Alienate those and ther won't be an airline for Unite's memebrs to work for.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Tuesday, 23 November 2010

Strike Update - Democracy The Unite Way

Unite has elected a new leader, to replace the duo of Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson.

The new leader, Len McCluskey (a hardliner), was elected by a "staggering" 7% of the membership.

"Democracy" in action the Unite way!

Those members of staff, and long suffering customers, of BA who hope that a change in leadership may bring about peace will be sorely disappointed.

McCluskey has been running the strike since day one, and on his assumption of power has announced his messianic "vision":

"My first task now will be to bring our union together and unite it in a campaign against the devastation the Government is unleashing against working people and their communities throughout the land."

I suspect that the 93% of Unite members who didn't vote for this person may well regret the day that he was elected.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Thursday, 18 November 2010

Dis-United - Unite Takes Another Step Backwards

Having called off a ballot of its members, because of disunity between Unite and Bassa, Unite have taken a further step backwards from a peaceful resolution of the its seemingly never ending dispute with BA by announcing that it can no longer recommend its deal with BA to its members.

This is a rather humiliating volte face, as it was Unite that actually accepted the deal on behalf of its members (subject to their ratification in a ballot).

Evidently Unite have now lost control of the situation, and BA's management/staff would be well advised to find another route (circumventing Unite) to resolve this absurd dispute.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Thursday, 11 November 2010

Dis-United - Ballot Called Off

Further to my earlier article today about the rift between Unite and Bassa, it seems that the two sides (in the union that is) are so far apart that Unite cannot afford the PR debacle of going to its members above the heads of Bassa.

As such, Unite have just announced that they have called off the ballot of their members.

Unite's "joint" leader, Tony Woodley, is quoted by the Press Association:

"Under these circumstances I have suspended the ballot on the offer and will meet with all of our cabin crew representatives as a matter of urgency to consider the next steps."

As I noted earlier today, until Unite sets in own house in order there will be no further progress in resolving this dispute.

This is bad news for the customers, the company and indeed the staff of BA.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Dis-United

It seems that hopes of a settlement of the, seemingly never ending, dispute between Unite and BA have proven to be a tad premature.

Unite, apparently, is not a united as its name would suggest. Bassa, the branch covering BA cabin crew within Unite, is refusing to back the current offer.

Whilst Bassa will under the Unite ballot ask for its members to vote, it will not recommend the offer to them.

Unite, on the other hand, is backing the deal and will write to both Unite and Bassa members recommending it.

Unless Unite and Bassa sort out their internal disagreements it is likely that this dispute will continue.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Wednesday, 3 November 2010

BA Crew Lose Appeal

British Airways cabin crew have lost their appeal in the Court of Appeal over BA's cost cutting proposals.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Thursday, 28 October 2010

Security

I concur with the comments made by the Chairman of BA wrt certain security measures at airports in Europe, eg the removal of shoes etc, undertaken at the insistence of the USA.

Why, if these checks are so vital, do US airports not enforce these on their own internal flights?

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Friday, 22 October 2010

A Peaceful Christmas?

Could it be that there may be some light at the end of the tunnel in the seemingly never ending dispute between BA and Unite?

BA has said that, as from 26 October, it will restore basic travel concessions to cabin crew who went on strike earlier this year.

However, because those who went on strike lost their seniority, it is not clear as to who will receive the perks.

The concession is also conditional on Unite making a commitment not to pursue any legal action against BA.

As to whether this means that there will be a BA strike free Christmas remains to be seen.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Tuesday, 7 September 2010

BA Strike Update - Happy Christmas From Unite

The never ending dispute between BA and Unite continues to damage the BA brand and what little faith customers have in being able to rely on BA running a 100% interruption free service.

Unite have warned of further strikes, unless there is a negotiated settlement to the dispute.

The union will ballot for action "at the right time".

Thus customers can expect problems around Christmas, if this dispute is not resolved.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Monday, 9 August 2010

Prats!

From the Telegraph:

"Cabin crew at British Airways have been told by union activists to refuse to close aircraft window blinds after each flight because it could risk their health and safety.

The latest example of restrictive union practices at the airline was revealed in a memo circulated to workers who have taken 22 days of strike action since March in an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.

The notice, posted on an online forum for the 11,000 cabin crew members of Unite, urged workers to "politely refuse" to close the shades because the task had "not been agreed" with union.

It follows the news that crew refused to distribute hot towels to passengers in its premium economy cabin, World Traveller Plus, unless the number of crew on each Boeing 747 flight was increased from 15 to 16. The hot towel service has now been introduced, but some cabin crew reportedly still refuse to give them out because it is not a union-sanctioned activity.

Cabin crew were asked by the airline to lower the shades after passengers disembark because direct sunlight can cause aircraft cabins to become uncomfortably hot while the planes are parked on stands.

The memo, seen by The Sunday Telegraph, says: "It has been brought to our attention that crew are being asked to close all the window blinds at the end of each flight. This has not been agreed with BASSA [branch of Unite] and no safe working practice has been trialled.

"The normal practice when anything new is introduced is that the Health, Safety and Welfare committee would carry out a risk assessment to confirm that everything is safe.

"Please note that no provision has been put in place for this extra duty and therefore you should not be carrying it out. If we do this it will become normal working practice and you will then become obliged to do it and then what next – pick up all the litter?

"Please politely refuse if you are asked to do this at the end of your flight."

A spokesman for Unite said it had "repudiated" the memo because unofficial action was illegal, and said the instruction should be ignored. "This just shows the level of ill-feeling on both sides of this dispute," he said.

A BA spokesman said: "Asking crew to close window blinds before they leave the aircraft is a reasonable request with absolutely no health and safety implications.

"Closing the blinds helps to keep the cabin cool while the aircraft is parked. This allows reduces the need for air conditioning power units on the ground, saving carbon emissions.

"It also provides a comfortable environment for customers and crew boarding for the next flight, and helps to ensure a punctual departure."

Talks between BA and Unite are set to continue on Monday in a bid to avert more strikes next month.


www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

BA Strike Update - Unite To Sue

Unite has announced that it will take legal action against BA over the removal of travel concessions from cabin crew who have been on strike.

Seemingly the core of their case will be that travel perks are a "human right", and that to remove the perks breaches the EU's human rights legislation!

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Tuesday, 20 July 2010

BA Strike Update - Union Votes To Continue

British Airways cabin crew have voted, albeit in a low turnout of less than 50%, to reject BA's latest pay offer by 3,419 votes to 1,686.

This means that there will be more strikes, even though technically less than 50% of the union have voted in favour of continuing strike action.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Saturday, 17 July 2010

BA Strike Update - A Summer of Chaos

I see that, aside from the problems caused by the ongoing BA strikes, hapless air travellers may also be subjected to further misery as a result of possible strikes to undertaken by employees of British Airports Authority (BAA) this summer.

Whilst these two disputes may, at first glance, seem to be unconnected it should be noted that the union that is stirring up the BAA workers is in fact Unite (the very same union leading the BA strike action).

Coincidence?

No, this is in fact Unite opening a second front.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Wednesday, 14 July 2010

BA Strike Update - BA Encounters Turbulence

Yesterday's BA AGM was a somewhat turbulent affair; as, unsurprisingly, the subject of the strike dominated the proceedings.

During the 3 hour meeting, Willie Walsh expressed his frustrations at being compared to Hitler and the devil.

He was jeered by the crew members; who accused the management of "bullying", engendering a culture of "fear and loathing" and "damaging the BA brand".

It is doubtful as to whether the investors, and indeed hapless customers, are impressed by either the company or the strikers.

This is a power struggle which may be won, eventually, by one side. However, it will be at the cost of the brand and a large number of jobs.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Monday, 12 July 2010

BA Strike Update - BAA Numbers Down

The UK airport operator, BAA, has experienced a fall of 1.7% in the number of passengers using its airports in June (compared with June 2009).

BAA blame the ongoing BA strike for this fall, rather than the fact that the airports are truly dismal places and that people do not enjoy using them or flying.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Thursday, 8 July 2010

Flights Guaranteed

Willie Walsh has told Il Sole 24 Ore that, in the event of another strike, 100% of flights will be guaranteed. He added that "British (Airways) will not only not lose money it will end up saving.

Walsh said that flight personnel costs had been cut by 45%.

"In terms of annual savings the benefit to the company is £65M per year."

The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Thursday, 1 July 2010

BA Strike Update - Not A Happy Place

From the Guardian:

"BA will struggle to weather the fallout from this bitter dispute. Our brand, our reputation and our integrity as an employer have all been damaged – indeed continue to be damaged – as this dispute rolls on with no sign of a resolution or closure. The road ahead will be fraught with challenges – challenges that we will all have to deal with. It will be an uphill struggle and it will not be easy.

Those BA staff who have chosen to volunteer as cabin crew have unwittingly prolonged this dispute and, in all probability, hastened their own demise. Their actions have allowed BA to keep flying rather than to reach a negotiated settlement.

As Unite prepares for another ballot and, in all probability, more industrial action, many managers are trawling through employment websites, desperate to find anything that will enable them to leave the bedlam that is now BA.

For anyone who really wants to understand what it is like to work for the world's favourite airline, I would suggest reading George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four.
"

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Tuesday, 29 June 2010

Prats of The Week

Well done BA!

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Monday, 28 June 2010

BA Strike Update - Peace In Our Time?

Could it be that a green shoot of peace is bravely trying to thrust its way forward towards the sunlight in the ongoing dispute between BA and Unite?

Unite, over the weekend, announced that they will postpone the strike ballot in order to allow members to consult on a new offer from BA.

Cynics note that this temporary respite was before England were trounced on Sunday. Even Unite recognise that by holding a strike ballot during the world cup, in which England fans might feel that their journeys to support the team were threatened (even if the actual strikes themselves would not occur until after the world cup), would be rather stupid.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Friday, 25 June 2010

BA Strike Update - The Neverending Story Continues

BA have decided to go for broke, and use the ongoing strike to push through changes in pay and conditions.

BA is planning to hire 1,250 new cabin crew members this year, with a ten year plan for the new crew to make up 40% of the total crew.

Unite claim that the new intake will be paid "minimum wage" salaries.

Needless to say daggers are now drawn between the union and BA, the long suffering passengers of BA must now work on the assumption that the strike action will continue throughout this summer until either the union gives up or BA goes under.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

Here Was The News

BA has stopped publication of its weekly (50 year old) in-house newspaper "BA News".

It will be replaced by a monthly digital magazine "Up to Speed, and Up to Date".

The Telegraph wryly observes that BA News was "a fertile source of information for diarists about what was happening inside BA".

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Monday, 21 June 2010

BA Strike Update - The Neverending Story

Unite will later today formally notify BA that it will ballot staff on whether to take further industrial action.

We are witnessing the death of an airline, a brand and the jobs of thousand by a "thousand cuts".

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Thursday, 17 June 2010

BA Strike Update - The Death March Continues

The seemingly never ending dispute between BA and Unite looks like continuing until either the union or company goes bankrupt.

Talks between the two entrenched sides, held at Acas yesterday, broke up without any sign of resolution.

Unite intend to hold another ballot for further strikes, likely to take place during the summer holiday season.

A spokesperson for Acas told Citywire:

"Regrettably, the parties were unable to move closer to an agreement. At present there are no further meetings planned but Acas will monitor developments and our services remain available".

Clearly the best option for the travelling public is to fly with other airlines, where possible, until these two stubborn dinosaurs sort themselves out.

The concept of customer care has long since been forgotten by both Unite and BA.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Monday, 14 June 2010

BA Strike Update - Acas Steps In

Acas has revealed that it has drafted new proposals for a deal that may resolve the ongoing dispute between BA and Unite.

It is hoped that talks between the two sides will be held this week.

We shall see.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Thursday, 10 June 2010

Walsh Eschews Bonus

The CEO of British Airways, Willie Walsh, has turned down an annual bonus of shares worth £334K.

This is the second year running that he has turned down a bonus.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Wednesday, 9 June 2010

BA Strike Update - Another Ballot

As the current BA strike action ends today, some of BA's passengers (or is it customers?) may be feeling relieved that they can look forward to enjoy a period of strike free travel.

Unfortunately this "euphoria" (does anyone ever feel "euphoric" these days about having to fly?) may be short lived.

Reuters report that a new ballot for further strike action will be taken by Unite. The vote is expected to take place mid July (just in time for the summer holidays).

It is clear that both the union and management have given up on the concept (oft repeated, but seldom believed) of "customer service".

This dispute is nothing more than a pissing contest between the union and management. The welfare of the staff, the needs of the customers and value of the brand have long since been forgotten and ignored.

It is sad to see a once respected company be destroyed in this manner from within.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Tuesday, 8 June 2010

BA Strike Update - "Shoot That Wanker"

As the BA strike grinds on and on, without any sign of resolution (most especially as the head of Unite has swanned off on holiday to Cyprus) it has been reported that BA First officer Adam Corfield has posted the following entry on his Facebook page:

"Shoot that wanker at the top of Unite!"

International Air Transport Association (IATA) Chief Executive, Giovanni Bisignani, echoed Mr Corfield's sentiments by stating in his opening address at the body's annual meeting on Monday:

"Pilots and crew must come down to earth. Strikes at this time are short-sighted nonsense."

Meanwhile, Willie Walsh (CEO of BA) has stated that he won't back down.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Monday, 7 June 2010

BA Strike Update - Another Week Another Strike II

Another week, another BA strike!

Yawn.

Clearly feeling bored with the whole thing, Tony Woodley (joint head of Unite) has gone to Cyprus this week on holiday.

The carrier of his choice?

Why easyJet of course!

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Thursday, 3 June 2010

BA Strike update - Passenger Numbers Down

Unsurprisingly the ongoing strike action at BA has negatively impacted passenger numbers

Passenger numbers in May 2010 were 14% lower than in May 2009.

The next walkout starts this Saturday.

As I have noted many times before, neither the company nor the staff are doing themselves any favours by continuing with this dispute.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Wednesday, 2 June 2010

BA Strike Update - O'Leary Weighs In

In a surprise intervention to the seemingly never ending strike action at BA, Michael O'Leary (CEO of Ryanair) has stated that striking British Airways cabin crew are "lions led by donkeys".

He then went on to describe the strikers as a "couple of wrinklies waving placards", noting that the strikers have lost because times have changed.

He may well be right.

However, as the talks between BA and Unite have yet again failed to achieve a result, the hapless passengers of BA are destined for at least another week of strike action.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Tuesday, 1 June 2010

BA Strike Update - Another Week Another Strike

Another working week dawns and, with the depressing inevitability of an unloved season, another BA strike is in "full swing".

As talks are to be resumed between BA and Unite, a background story hints of internal PR sabotage by a disaffected member of staff.

The front cover of LHR News, a staff magazine covering Heathrow Airport, promoted an iPhone boarding pass service showing a ticket belonging to Osama Bin Laden. The sample ticket showed Bin Laden's frequent flyer number, thus implying he is a regular passenger with the airline.

Given that it is highly unlikely that BA's marketing department would be cretinous enough to associate Bin Laden with the BA brand, it is assumed that this "snafu" was the result of an internal act of sabotage by a disaffected member of staff.

www.baisshite.com the latest news and views on British Airways, the world's "favourite" airline. This site contains updates on the ongoing strike action, and dispute between BA and Unite.

Friday, 28 May 2010

BA Strike Update - Talks Resume

Talks between Unite and BA management resume today.

However, despite that, both the union and BA are gearing up for the next round of strikes which start this Sunday.

As ever the customer is left in the lurch.

Thursday, 27 May 2010

BA Strike Update - Negtiations Adjuorned

Yesterday's six hours of talks between Unite and BA have been adjourned until Friday.

Meanwhile BA are preparing for next week's round of strikes, and Unite have suggested that negotiations might proceed better if Willie Walsh were not involved (fat chance!).

Wednesday, 26 May 2010

BA Strike Update - Next Week's Flights Cancelled

The ongoing strike action by BA cabin crew shows no signs of ending anytime soon. The Times reports that BA will be informing passengers, with flights booked next week, that they will be cancelled.

Whilst BA management has the financial resources to weather the strike, and Unite claims that its members have the stomach for a protracted dispute, the long term effects on the company (ie irreparable damage to the brand) and consequential loss of jobs for the cabin crew are not going to be so easy to weather.

The protagonists in this Greek tragedy would do well to remember that.

Tuesday, 25 May 2010

BA Strike Update - Day Two

As customers of British Airways endure day two of the strike, the BBC report that BA claims that it managed to fly a total of 60,000 passengers on Monday (about 70% of the total number usually expected at this time of year).

BA did not reveal what percentage of Heathrow passengers were able to fly, however, and how many flights had been cancelled.

No resolution is expected anytime soon, as neither side has publicly revealed that there are to be any scheduled talks.

It reflects badly on both the management and union that they are both timewarped in the intransigent and confrontational mindsets of union/management relations of the 1970's.

Monday, 24 May 2010

BA Strike Update - Strike Resumes

British Airways cabin crew have begun their five day strike, which is expected to mainly affect Heathrow (60% of long-haul flights and 50% of short-haul flights will, in theory, operate during the strike).

The atmosphere at the talks over the weekend between Untie and British Airways management was somewhat soured when it was discovered that Derek Simpson, Unite's joint general secretary, was Tweeting the progress of the discussions live.

On Saturday, for reasons best known to themselves, Trotskyite demonstrators from the Socialist Workers Party stormed the talks and broke them up.

It is clear that this dispute will end badly for the management, the cabin crew and most especially the long suffering customers of BA.

Thursday, 20 May 2010

BA Strike Update - Strike Ban Ruling Overturned

From the BBC:

"Fresh BA strikes look set to go ahead after a High Court judge overturned a ban on industrial action.

BA was granted an injunction on Monday after a judge ruled that the Unite union had not reported results of its strike ballot correctly to members.

But Unite appealed against the decision and a judge ruled in its favour.

The first strike had been scheduled to begin on Tuesday, ending on 22 May, with the three further strikes planned to begin on 24 May, 30 May and 5 June
."

The chaos and irrevocable damage to the BA brand is set to resume.

Wednesday, 19 May 2010

BA Strike Update - Appeal Ruling Delayed

The appeal judges, who are ruling on the banned BA strike, will not deliver their verdict on the legality of the planned walkouts before 9.30am tomorrow.

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

BA Strike Update - Unite Fights Back

British Airways (BA) won yesterday's High Court battle with Unite, re Unite's breaching of union legalisation by informing members of the result of the strike ballot via Twitter in insufficient detail.

As sure as eggs are eggs, the union described the result as an "absolute disgrace" and beat their chests about "democracy being undermined" etc.

Maybe, as this is the second time that they have made legal blunders wrt they strike ballots, they might take a little more care in future and not be so dismissive of the law?

Maybe their members may also begin to question the "professionalism" of the union allegedly looking after their interests?

That being said, Unite will this morning appeal the decision. I thought that they were contemptuous of our legal system, funny that they seek now to use it in their favour.

Meanwhile, as ever, it is the long suffering customers of BA who end up suffering. Monday's court decision came too late for BA to reinstate their normal schedule; only 90% of long-haul flights and 50% of short-haul are operating normally from Heathrow.

My advice to both the management and the union is simple, and consistent, your customers have lost patience with you. There is absolutely no point in booking a flight with BA if there is a chance that it will be cancelled because of an ongoing dispute.

Resolve this nonsense now, or BA will cease to exist; and their will be no jobs, or indeed union contributions, for the members of Unite to live off.

Monday, 17 May 2010

BA Strike Update - Guerrilla Campaign

British Airways (BA) is making a last ditch attempt to avert strike action by cabin crew this week, by going to the High Court to claim that a message sent to Unite members on Twitter outlining the result of the ballot was unlawful; because it failed to meet a legal requirement to provide everyone who took part with a full breakdown of results. Specifically how many votes were cast, how many voted for industrial action, how many voted against and the number of spoiled papers.

Meanwhile Duncan Holley, a branch secretary of the British Airline Stewards and Stewardesses Association (Bassa), which is part of Unite, has told the media that if no agreement is reached, the union could switch to a "guerrilla campaign" designed to sow confusion among customers for up to a year.

Are these people farking mad?

Do they not understand that this ongoing dispute will destroy the brand once and for all, and put them all out of work?

To add to BA's problems, the volcano is acting up again!

Friday, 14 May 2010

Thursday, 13 May 2010

BA Strike Update - Callous Disregard For Customers

The Times reports that about 150,000 passengers will have their flights cancelled next week, during the first of British Airways (BA's) planned series of strikes that will ground flights between May 18 and 23.

There will then be a single day's pause before the second round of strikes on May 24 to 28, and further walkouts on May 30 to June 3 and June 5 to 9.

Willie Walsh emailed executive club members yesterday, referring to Unite's actions as "callous":

"..As you are undoubtedly aware, Unite, the trade union that represents British Airways' cabin crew has announced further strike action.

I wanted to update you on the situation and thank you for your continued loyalty and support.

We were saddened but not surprised that Unite has announced plans for strikes that span 23 days including the May bank holiday and half term. I can assure you that this action will not ground British Airways.

Unite officials continue to show a callous disregard for our customers. A small minority act as if they want to destroy BA and the jobs of thousands of their colleagues. And just when the UK economy needs help to get back on its feet, Unite will deal it another blow.

The offer on the table is very fair. It includes a guaranteed pay rise for the next two years, meets the union's concerns on crewing levels, access to routes and maintains a standard of living that reflects the value and service our cabin crew deliver to our customers.

During the last two periods of industrial action, thousands of staff from across the airline, including volunteers, kept British Airways flying and we flew more than half a million customers to their destinations.

We are confident that many cabin crew will again ignore Unite's pointless strike call and support the efforts of the rest of the airline.

On the strike dates we will operate all London Gatwick and London City services. At Heathrow we plan to operate a substantial part of our longhaul schedule. There will also be a number of daily flights to every destination across our shorthaul network.

We are talking to other airlines about leasing in extra aircraft to support our shorthaul schedule and we will buy thousands of seats from other airlines to help our customers rebook if their original flight is cancelled.

I fully appreciate that information is critical during such a period so we will regularly update ba.com with details of our revised schedule and options available.

Your support, patience and understanding during the recent months have been invaluable and I would like to thank you in advance for your continued loyalty in support of our business
..."

Wednesday, 12 May 2010

BA Strike Update - No Winners

The Independent concludes that however the ongoing BA dispute is resolved (if at all) there could be no winners at all.

I would venture to say that there WILL be no winners.

Whether or not the company and union can afford, financially, to dig their respective heels in for a protracted dispute is immaterial. The damage being done to the brand of the company, and by definition the reputations of those who work for it, is incalculable.

Rival airlines have already launched advertising campaigns attacking British Airways (BA), urging travellers not to book with the carrier while the threat of strikes loom.

EasyJet's advert asks "Why risk BA?", and offers free speedy boarding for BA Gold Card customers on strike days.

Quote:

"We still have half a million seats available for travel over the planned BA strike days, but seats sell out quickly so book now."

Lufthansa owned carrier bmi has launched a campaign showing a departures board, with customers for a list of fictional BA flights such as "BA147A" advised to "Go home".

Quote:

"As the fresh strike looms, the choice is clear: risk staying put or fly with bmi."

BMI will also offer BA Gold and Silver Executive Club members access to bmi lounges.

My advice to the unions and management of BA is simple:

Get real!

Tuesday, 11 May 2010

BA Strike Update - Utter Madness

Members of Unite (the union of British Airway's cabin crew) have announced plans to walk out on four separate five day strikes.

The first strike will begin on 18 May, ending on 22 May. Further strikes are planned on 24 May, 30 May and 5 June.

No matter how intransigent the union may regard BA management, quite how bankrupting BA furthers their members' long term interests is beyond any form of logical reason or understanding.

Be under no illusions, if this nonsense carries on the airline will cease to exist by the end of the year.

What will the members of Unite do then?

Friday, 7 May 2010

Brand Suicide - More BA Strikes

The BBC report the following:

"British Airways cabin crew have "overwhelmingly rejected an offer" aimed at ending a long-running row over pay and conditions, Unite has said.

The union said, with turnout of 71%, thousands had voted and there had been an 81% majority against the proposals offered by the airline
."

Given the damage done to the brand value from the previous strikes, and the damage to revenues from the volcano, I can only conclude that the management and union have taken collective leave of their senses.

BA will cease to exist by the end of the year, if these two groups keep this up.

BA To Beijing - Back In Blighty

I have now returned from my trip to Beijing (flying BA both ways).

Here, in summary, are my views about the experience of flying BA (London/Beijing return):

1 The cabin crew on both legs of the journey were friendly, polite, efficient and did their jobs well.

2 Despite Terminal 5 being billed as BA's dedicated terminal, the hapless passengers of the outward bound flight were forced to use a coach to get to the aircraft.

3 The coach journey necessitated passengers being called to the gate 1 hour before departure.

4 The coach journey took so long (in excess of 10 minutes) that it felt as though we were being driven to Beijing.

5 The in flight caterers had not packed enough shepherd's pies on board for the number of passengers in my cabin. There were 9 passengers but only 6 pies.

6 The in flight caterers had forgotten to load any potato dishes on board to accompany the main courses.

7 The return flight departure time from Beijing of 7:20 is absurd, necessitating my checking out from the hotel at around 4:45. Last year the departure time was around midday. Why on earth have BA picked such a ridiculous new departure time?

8 The in flight entertainment on the return flight was identical to the entertainment on the outward bound flight. Normally the selection is varied.

9 One of the lights above my seat was not working on the return journey. Small details like this show that due care an attention to the needs of the passengers are not being made.

10 The in flight survey on both outward and return legs of the journey was at great pains to ask for my opinion re the in flight entertainment. However, it asked no questions about service, food, or any other aspect of the flight. Do BA not want to know what their customers really think of them?

In conclusion, whilst the cabin crew do their best to provide a high standard of service, it is clear to me that the company has lost interest in the customer.

Thursday, 29 April 2010

BA To Beijing

I am flying with BA to Beijing today.

Regrettably BA have altered the schedule of their daily Beijing flight. Going out I arrive at 6:00am Beijing time, and returning to London I leave Beijing at 7:20am.

Quite absurd times, why oh why didn't they keep to the old schedule which was far more sensible?

At least I will be back before anymore strikes occur.

Friday, 9 April 2010

The Destruction of The Brand

The ongoing dispute between BA and Unite has, as expected, severely damaged BA's results and brand.

The FT reports that passenger numbers in March fell by 15%, the equivalent to the fall it suffered in the month after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The fall in numbers is expected to cost BA £45M.

Clearly people will not fly BA if there is a risk that the planes are going to be grounded.

Whoever "wins" this dispute will soon realise that their "victory" is Phyrric. The damage done to the BA brand will push the company to the edge financially, with consequences for services and jobs.

Monday, 29 March 2010

BA Strike Update - The War of Words Continues

As the long suffering passengers endure another day of the British Airways (BA) strike, the union (Unite) and management continue to pummel each other verbally.

The latest verbal bombardment in the increasingly bitter dispute between Unite and management (I get the feeling that some of the staff are not necessarily as "enthusiastic" towrds this strike as Unite, who claim to represent them) comes from Unite, who claim that BA are using the world's most expensive cabin crew.

BA have drafted in pilots to replace staff who have gone on strike.

Meanwhile BA management claim that 63% of crew rostered to work had reported for duty on Saturday, 6% more than during the previous weekend's industrial action.

BA also claim that more than 60,000 passengers were flown by BA on Saturday on 470 flights, compared with 43,000 on 350 flights last Saturday.

Unite dispute the figures.

Meanwhile, the brand value and possible the ariline itself is being destroyed day by day.

This will end badly, whoever claims final "victory".

Friday, 26 March 2010

BA Strike Update - No Compromise



In a phrase reminiscent of the Reverend Ian Paisley, Willie Wash (CEO of British Airways) has insisted that travel perks will "never" be reinstated for striking cabin crew. In an interview on the BBC he said that there would be no "compromise" on this.

With a second strike due to start at midnight, Walsh has said that there are no plans for talks with Unite.

BA management seem to be using the dispute to break the power and control of Unite over the staff.

For its part Unite is being equally intransigent, and has said that any peace deal must now include giving back travel concessions to cabin crew.

It is clear that the dispute is getting nasty. Whilst the union and management seek to knock "six bells" out of each other, the long suffering passengers are ignored and left to find alternative means of transport.

The end result of this strike, as and when it happens, will be the destruction of the BA brand and the loss of many more jobs.

Hardly a victory for either the union or management.

Wednesday, 24 March 2010

BA Strike Update - BA Ups The Ante

British Airways (BA) are playing hard ball with striking cabin crew.

Cabin crew who have taken part in the recent 3 day strike will lose their travel perks permanently.

These perks entitle staff to for free and heavily discounted flights, depending on how long they have worked for BA.

Anyone who expects this dispute to be resolved anytime soon may well be disappointed.

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

BA Strike Update - Strike Costs £7M Per Day

Whatever the truth of claims made by Unite and the management of British Airways (BA) over the effectiveness, or otherwise, of the strike it is clear that damage is being done both to the brand and finances of the company.

The strike is costing £7M per day (according to The Times) and is taking untold damage on the brand value of BA.

Given that four more days, next weekend, of expensive chaos are planned the question must now be asked:

"Do we really need a national flag carrier that damages the brand value of the country?"

Monday, 22 March 2010

BA Strike Update - Scottish Disruption

Most British Airways (BA) flights from Glasgow and Edinburgh to London Heathrow have been cancelled this morning, although some are scheduled for the afternoon.

However, most flights to Gatwick from Scotland are expected to go ahead.

Friday, 19 March 2010

BA Strike Update - Talks Collapse

The BBC reports that the talks between Unite and British Airways (BA) management have collapsed.

The strike will go ahead.

A three day strike will begin at midnight on Saturday, followed by a four day strike starting on 27 March.

As to whether BA exists in its present form in year's time is now a very pertinent question.

BA Strike Chaos Looms Update

Those optimistic souls who hope and pray for a last minute peace deal between Unite and British Airways (BA) will be bitterly disappointed.

Even if a peace deal is negotiated today, there will still be chaos tomorrow when the strike begins. A full BA schedule cannot be reinstated in time for tomorrow.

To add to travel woes in the UK, the dinosaurs in the RMT (under the leadership of Crowe) have decreed that Easter rail services will be disrupted by strikes.

Crowe has told the public not to bother booking rail travel during Easter.

Wednesday, 17 March 2010

BA Strike Update - Unite Seek To Internationalise Strike

The BBC reports that the British Airways (BA) union Unite is to meet its US counterpart Teamsters today to discuss the strike.

Unite are expected to ask the Teamsters to refuse to handle any BA flights that land in the US.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010

60% Of BA Flights To Operate During Strike

British Airways (BA) has announced that approximately 60% of all of its flights will still be operating during the two strike periods. However, of these, only 30% of short haul services will be operating.

All long-haul flights to and from Gatwick Airport will be operating.

Full schedules have already been announced for the first days of the strike, covering March 20th, 21st and 22nd. However, BA has not yet announced any plans for the second strike period between March 27th and 30th.

Monday, 15 March 2010

BA Strike Update

A BA source has told the BBC that it was "fairly likely" that there would be an announcement this afternoon about which BA flights will be cancelled this weekend because of the strike.

Friday, 12 March 2010

Destroying The Brand - Strike

Unite and BA management continue to do their best to destroy the BA brand.

The BA cabin crew strike will go ahead, for three days from 20 March and for four days from 27 March.

Unite state that they will not strike over Easter. However, they warn that there may be more strikes after 14 April.

No company lasts forever, the union and management of BA would do well to remember that.

Wednesday, 20 January 2010

Some Free Advice

Speaking as a long suffering customer of BA, I would like to "gently" remind both Unite and the management of BA that you would be well advised to settle your ongoing and tedious dispute without causing disruption to services.

There is no guarantee, under present economic conditions, that BA will actually be around in a year's time.

Monday, 18 January 2010

Another Strike Ballot

The BA staff union (Unite) has announced that it will ballot British Airways cabin crew again on possible strike action.

The outcome, this time, is not so clear cut.

It is evident (see previous article on this site) that not all members who voted for strike action before Christmas were happy that the strike proposed post ballot by Untie was to last 12 days over Christmas.