Economy Class & Beyond

Air Canada strikes – halted for now after Goverment Intervention

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Air Canada seems to be having labour issues, and was facing a strike from it's 6,800 flight attendants. This has been halted due to a "procedural move" by the Canadian Labour minister Lisa Raitt that prevents the crew from legally going on strike. The strike action has been referred up to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to determine if a strike disrupting … [Read more...]

A3: Greek ATC Shutdown – expect others to follow.

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If you're planning to fly to Greece on the 5th October... here's a hint - start planning alterntives as Greek ATC is due to go out on strike that day. Aegean Airlines has already killed their entire programme of flying on the 5th October http://en.aegeanair.com/all-about-us/press-office/press-releases/press-release/?prid=324, whilst Olympic has not made an annoucement yet. … [Read more...]

BA and Unite – Back into court (Anything you can do I can do better…)

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Like an old couple, British Airways and Unite are heading back to the courts to get another part of the dispute settled. This time Unite is taking BA to court Unite are claiming that it was not consulted properly over the changes that were imposed on its workers - including crew reductions on Long Haul, and the pay freeze. BA argues it needs to cut losses and claims it … [Read more...]

And once again – Unite Ballots BA workers for strike

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Well it's begun. Unite has commenced the ballot on possible strike action.  The ballot that runs from now (25/01) until 22nd February, with the first action possible from 1st March. Unite reiterates it will not call action over Easter - trying to buy the public off with a sympathy "We're hitting businessmen, Willie Walsh and not families" line. Unite is also angry … [Read more...]

BA and Unite – BA starts to play *real* hardball – Removal of Travel Benefits for Strikers

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British Airways seems to have ratcheted up its position, by issuing a threat that ID90's (used for standby travel which gives an industry discount of 90%) are to go for striking workers, and in addition, the quality of crew hotels are now up for review. Unite describe the move as "shocking", "another act of provocation" and "petty'. It should be noted that the ID90's and … [Read more...]

The BA/Unite Strike: Is Unite trying to buy Sympathy this time?

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Ok, I've skipped the announcement that Unite is once again going to ballot it's Cabin Crew workers, and that BA are going to try to break the strike by wetleasing aircraft and crew, and it is actually opening up cabin crew training up to other qualified staff to the point where Unite has made one hell of a concession That it will NOT strike over the Easter period Quote … [Read more...]

Strike Day: IAA Goes on strike.

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It seems it's time for another strike, this time with Irish ATC walking out over modernisation and working practices after 15 controllers were suspended for failing to cooperate with the new technology implemented. Shannon, Cork and Dublin are affected by this action which starts from 14:00 to 18:00 (20/01). Aer Lingus has cancelled 64 flights, RyanAir cancelling 48  … [Read more...]

BA and Unite – Back to to the negotiating table….

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Well it seems BA and Unite are heading back to the table to try and avoid the oncoming storm of more strike action. Unite has agreed to the talks with BA in an attempt to find a settlement over jobs, pay and conditions.  As you remember, on the run-up to Christmas,  strike action was around the corner until it was deemed illegal by the courts. In response, Unite … [Read more...]

Expect more brinkmanship between BA and Unite…

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Unite has signalled it wishes to reballot it's members for another attempt at strike action. Whilst not unexpected, personally - I would still be considering other carriers over the next few weeks. For any strike to happen there much be a consultation period, ballot and actual notice to the company. That puts it +4 weeks away, and pushing it into February. For that … [Read more...]