Report: British Airways strike gets the go-ahead

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://news.cheapflights.co.uk/2010/02/ ... -go-ahead/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

British Airways cabin crew have once again voted in favour of staging a strike, sources within the Unite union have told The Evening Standard.

Though the result of the ballot will not officially be announced until Monday 22 February, the newspaper claims that disaffected BA staff have decided to stand by their original call for industrial action.

If confirmed, the renewed threat of walkouts would be a devastating blow to British Airways, coming just days after the flag carrier received tentative approval for its long-awaited merger with American Airlines.

BA cabin crew and management have been locked in a bitter dispute over working conditions since staffing levels on long-haul flights were reduced last year.

Unite claims the unilateral action amounted to a breach of contract and has lodged an appeal with the High Court, which is due to make its ruling on the matter tomorrow.

The union had previously announced a devastating 12-day strike over Christmas and the New Year, but holiday travellers were spared the misery that would have ensued when a last-ditch temporary injunction banning the walkout was secured by British Airways management.

The High Court ruled that the manner in which Unite balloted its members was illegal, as staff who had already accepted voluntary redundancy were allowed to vote.

Its decision prompted a fresh ballot for the 12,000 BA cabin crew members who are currently represented by Unite, with the official results of that new vote being announced on Monday.

Analysts had voiced optimism that a deal might be struck between the two sides in January. But tensions have since risen to fever pitch, with both British Airways and the Unite union accusing each other of waging a campaign of bullying and intimidation against flight attendants.

Last weekend, 15 BA cabin crew were suspended pending an investigation into alleged harassment perpetrated on social networking website Facebook. One of the disciplined crew members yesterday told Sky News that BA management had behaved like the “Gestapo”.

Would you support a British Airways strike? Vote in our online poll in the adjacent sidebar.

[DGP1]

Would you support a British Airways strike? Vote in our online poll in the adjacent sidebar.

Come on guys, lets get some support going for the BA cabin crew.
Thank you for voting!
No – they’re overpaid and underworked 77%
Yes – they’re the best in the industry 17%
Maybe – but only if my flight isn’t affected! 5%

[clashcityrocker]

Would you support a British Airways strike? Vote in our online poll in the adjacent sidebar.

Come on guys, lets get some support going for the BA cabin crew.
Thank you for voting!
No – they’re overpaid and underworked 77%
Yes – they’re the best in the industry 17%
Maybe – but only if my flight isn’t affected! 5%

The question is a bit open. Would you honk your horn as you drove past a picket line?
Or would you put your hand in your pocket for their strike fund?
Both "showing support" but in very different ways.

[DGP1]

It's still better than the alternatives (underworked and overpaid), it's in no way surprising that fromer RM management are now at BA.

[dvbuk55]

Well I'd fly easyjet and keep my cash away from BA.

Actually the last time I was on a plane it was a Hercules! and I think that was in 1972.

[DGP1]

Well I'd fly easyjet and keep my cash away from BA.

Actually the last time I was on a plane it was a Hercules! and I think that was in 1972.

I think I've seen that film

[dvbuk55]

Well I'd fly easyjet and keep my cash away from BA.

Actually the last time I was on a plane it was a Hercules! and I think that was in 1972.

I think I've seen that film

Entebbe? What on earth would I be doing consorting with the Isreali Army?

[DGP1]

Well I'd fly easyjet and keep my cash away from BA.

Actually the last time I was on a plane it was a Hercules! and I think that was in 1972.

I think I've seen that film

Entebbe? What on earth would I be doing consorting with the Isreali Army?

And only back from your short holiday in Dubai

[dvbuk55]

Well I'd fly easyjet and keep my cash away from BA.

Actually the last time I was on a plane it was a Hercules! and I think that was in 1972.

I think I've seen that film

Entebbe? What on earth would I be doing consorting with the Isreali Army?

And only back from your short holiday in Dubai

Ah yes! I was staying at one of those luxury apartments on that palm tree shaped development that all those wealthy footballers have lost a bomb on - I wasn't anywhere near an Hotel and I didn't see anything suspicious - hows my spray tan look?

ill-arab-man.jpg

[DGP1]

Well I'd fly easyjet and keep my cash away from BA.

Actually the last time I was on a plane it was a Hercules! and I think that was in 1972.

I think I've seen that film

Entebbe? What on earth would I be doing consorting with the Isreali Army?

And only back from your short holiday in Dubai

Ah yes! I was staying at one of those luxury apartments on that palm tree shaped development that all those wealthy footballers have lost a bomb on - I wasn't anywhere near an Hotel and I didn't see anything suspicious - hows my spray tan look?

ill-arab-man.jpg