The seemingly intractable 18 months dispute between Unite and BA finally ended last week.
Needless to say, both sides claim victory.
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.
Showing posts with label brand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brand. Show all posts
Monday, 27 June 2011
Monday, 6 June 2011
Rebuilding The Brand
Keith Williams, the new CEO of BA, has admitted that the BA brand has taken something of a hit as a result of the seemingly never ending dispute between BA and Unite.
He is quoted by the Guardian:
"One of the things we need to do is rebuild the brand image which inevitably suffers during a protracted dispute."
He is of the view that customer service did not suffer during the dispute, citing the fact that customers have not deserted BA.
Perhaps one reason why the customers have not deserted is not due to BA's punctuality record, its lost baggage record or its customer service but possibly due to the fact that on many international routes there is little choice but BA for travellers wanting to fly direct to/from London.
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.
He is quoted by the Guardian:
"One of the things we need to do is rebuild the brand image which inevitably suffers during a protracted dispute."
He is of the view that customer service did not suffer during the dispute, citing the fact that customers have not deserted BA.
Perhaps one reason why the customers have not deserted is not due to BA's punctuality record, its lost baggage record or its customer service but possibly due to the fact that on many international routes there is little choice but BA for travellers wanting to fly direct to/from London.
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, 14 May 2011
BA Strike Update - Deal Reached
It seems that Unite and BA management have come up with a solution to the seemingly never ending cabin crew dispute that has caused travel disruption and untold damage to BA's brand over the last two years.
The FT reports that the agreement will be put to Unite's 10,000 cabin crew members in a ballot, with a recommendation to accept.
The ballot will start next week with the result due by the end of June.
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.
The FT reports that the agreement will be put to Unite's 10,000 cabin crew members in a ballot, with a recommendation to accept.
The ballot will start next week with the result due by the end of June.
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, 11 April 2011
BA Strike Update - BA Hires Psychologist
British Airways has brought in a psychologist to try to help to resolve the seemingly never ending dispute with its cabin crew.
Clinical psychologist Mark Hamlin has met with senior management from BA and Unite.
Hamlin is a specialist in dealing with situations where there is a "fragility of trust".
Whatever his fee is, I am sure he will earn every penny of it!
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.
Clinical psychologist Mark Hamlin has met with senior management from BA and Unite.
Hamlin is a specialist in dealing with situations where there is a "fragility of trust".
Whatever his fee is, I am sure he will earn every penny of it!
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 March 2011
BA Strike Update - Check Your Insurance
Unsurprisingly those who sell travel insurance have been advising the hapless customers of BA (who are fearful of being caught up in strike action) to buy travel insurance.
All very well, if you are on commission for selling such products. However, the hapless customers of BA would do well to check any policy very thoroughly first in order to ensure that it actually does cover flight delays/cancellations brought about by industrial action.
The customers of BA would also do well to remember that those whose flights are cancelled altogether should be entitled to a full refund/reroute under EU law.
Good luck!
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.
All very well, if you are on commission for selling such products. However, the hapless customers of BA would do well to check any policy very thoroughly first in order to ensure that it actually does cover flight delays/cancellations brought about by industrial action.
The customers of BA would also do well to remember that those whose flights are cancelled altogether should be entitled to a full refund/reroute under EU law.
Good luck!
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 March 2011
BA Strike Update - Another Strike
Unite have announced the result of the strike ballot of British Airways cabin crew. As expected they have voted for yet another strike (8 to 1 majority, apparently).
This means that there is the prospect of strikes over the Easter holidays.
As ever, it is the long suffering customers of BA who will suffer in the short term. In the long term, the cabin crew will find themselves out of a job as the BA brand is irreparably damaged.
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.
This means that there is the prospect of strikes over the Easter holidays.
As ever, it is the long suffering customers of BA who will suffer in the short term. In the long term, the cabin crew will find themselves out of a job as the BA brand is irreparably damaged.
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 March 2011
BA Strike Update - Strike Ballot Underway
The fourth strike ballot in the now farcical dispute between BA and Untie is currently underway.
Balloting began on 1 March and will end on 28 March, with the decision to be announced soon afterwards.
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.
Balloting began on 1 March and will end on 28 March, with the decision to be announced soon afterwards.
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, 23 February 2011
BA Strike Update - Turkeys Voting For Easter
Unite intends to drag the seemingly never ending dispute between it and BA on for ever. It has announced that it will hold its 4th ballot of members in 2 years, the results of which will be announced on March 28.
In the event that they don't screw this up (as they did the last one), a yes vote will mean that they could go on strike over Easter and the Royal Wedding weekend.
Doubtless the union is happily allowing the media to speculate on these dates, as a means of "scaring the monkey".
However, the reality is somewhat different:
1 BA have sufficient cover in place to take up the under capacity incurred by any strike.
2 The members who strike will simply be damaging their long term employment prospects, as the brand of BA will be damaged and the customers will book other airlines.
3 The government will eventually tire of the damage being done to the British economy, and enact legislation to ensure that Unite cannot call its members out on strike as readily as it is now doing.
The customers of BA are the ones who are currently suffering from this nonsense. However, in the long term, it will be the cabin crew who end up the real losers.
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.
In the event that they don't screw this up (as they did the last one), a yes vote will mean that they could go on strike over Easter and the Royal Wedding weekend.
Doubtless the union is happily allowing the media to speculate on these dates, as a means of "scaring the monkey".
However, the reality is somewhat different:
1 BA have sufficient cover in place to take up the under capacity incurred by any strike.
2 The members who strike will simply be damaging their long term employment prospects, as the brand of BA will be damaged and the customers will book other airlines.
3 The government will eventually tire of the damage being done to the British economy, and enact legislation to ensure that Unite cannot call its members out on strike as readily as it is now doing.
The customers of BA are the ones who are currently suffering from this nonsense. However, in the long term, it will be the cabin crew who end up the real losers.
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 February 2011
BA Strike Update - The Farce Continues
The ongoing intractable dispute between BA and Unite continues, and has degenerated into an immature argument between Unite and BA akin to an argument in a divorce court between a husband and wife in a failed marriage.
Unite, following a barrage of legal objections from BA, have been forced to call another strike ballot; as last month's vote (which garnered 43% support from its members) appears to be invalid.
Seemingly the Electoral Reform Society, were concerned that the number of ballot papers issued may have contravened "Section 226a of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act".
Unite and BA are now engaging in some remarkably juvenile public name calling, which of course will do nothing to resolve the dispute.
As ever it is the long suffering passenger ("customer"? LOL!) who will suffer.
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.
Unite, following a barrage of legal objections from BA, have been forced to call another strike ballot; as last month's vote (which garnered 43% support from its members) appears to be invalid.
Seemingly the Electoral Reform Society, were concerned that the number of ballot papers issued may have contravened "Section 226a of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act".
Unite and BA are now engaging in some remarkably juvenile public name calling, which of course will do nothing to resolve the dispute.
As ever it is the long suffering passenger ("customer"? LOL!) who will suffer.
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, 22 January 2011
Turkeys Voting For Christmas
BA cabin crew have voted in favour of further strike action, 75% voted and of those who voted 78.5% voted in favour of ongoing strike action.
The outcome of this nonsense is rather predictable:
- Customers will be reluctant to book flights with BA
- BA will use the extra capacity from their new partner Iberia to cover any flight disruption in the UK
- The government will press ahead with anti strike legislation
- The BA brand will suffer
- BA cabin crew and their colleagues will end up losing their jobs
Turkeys really do vote for Christmas!
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.
The outcome of this nonsense is rather predictable:
- Customers will be reluctant to book flights with BA
- BA will use the extra capacity from their new partner Iberia to cover any flight disruption in the UK
- The government will press ahead with anti strike legislation
- The BA brand will suffer
- BA cabin crew and their colleagues will end up losing their jobs
Turkeys really do vote for Christmas!
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, 21 January 2011
Farewell
At the end of trading today British Airways will have its name removed from the FTSE.
From Monday the shares will trade as International Airlines Group (the new name for the company that now also includes Spain's Iberia).
Today will also see the result of the BA cabin crew strike ballot (widely expected to be in favour of more 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.
From Monday the shares will trade as International Airlines Group (the new name for the company that now also includes Spain's Iberia).
Today will also see the result of the BA cabin crew strike ballot (widely expected to be in favour of more 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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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