Am I having flashbacks to December again? Probably, as British Airways has gone back to court to stop the 20 day strike that is due to commence on Tuesday.
Lets have the spin from BA….
“The Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 requires unions to send everyone eligible to vote details of the exact breakdown of the ballot result.”
“We do not believe Unite properly complied with this requirement. We wrote to the general secretaries of the union yesterday asking them to explain to us how they discharged this obligation and, based on Unite’s replies, we believe that they failed to comply with the legal requirement.”
Unite responds:
“We will be vigorously defending our ballot and members against this move by BA. We have already responded to the company, and notified them that we have fully complied with the law.”
Both ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) and BALPA (British Airline Pilots’ Association) are pressing for negotiation, whilst the new Transport Minister Philip Hammond is perplexed by BA’s move.
BALPA said ministers should work to bring BA boss Willie Walsh and Unite leader Tony Woodley together in a bid to get next week’s strikes suspended.
“The last three days have changed the face of British politics with erstwhile political opponents coming together for the common good,”
“We call on Government to use that political momentum to help solve what are tired 1970s-style industrial relations.
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Whilst this is all well and good, be prepared.
- This is heading into the Half Term Holiday (UK)
- As well as the Spring Bank Holiday
- As well as the start of the World Cup 2010 Tournament
- London Gatwick services are expected to run as normal
- London City services (including LCY-JFK) are expected to run as normal
- Heathrow will be subjected to some cancellations
- Keep up to date at www.ba.com/strike
And for those who have failed to rebook yet, redemption and other flying space is 1) fast filling up and 2) prices are shooting too….
