Walsh to BA cabin crew: Strike will cost you dear
Writing in British Airways News, Mr Walsh said the ongoing dispute with the Unite union was “not a game” and that staff who stage walkouts should brace for harsh consequences.
His comments came as
“Going on strike is a very serious matter and everyone needs to consider their actions very carefully,” the British Airways boss wrote in his fortnightly column addressing staff members.
“That is why I was surprised to see BASSA/Unite advising cabin crew to ignore the clear message that anyone who goes on strike will lose their staff travel, permanently. Subsidised travel is not a contractual matter and never was. It is a generous benefit granted at the company’s discretion.”
Mr Walsh continued: “If people choose to damage our business, we will need to do our utmost to recover the costs by any means we can, including removing this benefit.”
The tough stance being taken by BA management underscores the airline’s resolve to press ahead with its cost-cutting measures despite the threat of a new strike by members of Unite. The changes include a reduction of on-board crew levels, which the union says will endanger passengers.
But the consequences of any potential walkout were driven home once again over the weekend when pictures emerged of the ballot paper that is being put before cabin crew.
The document explicitly tells staff: “If you take part in a strike … you may be in breach of your contract of employment.” It goes on to say that British Airways will be lawfully entitled to dismiss any such cabin crew from as early as 12 weeks after the industrial action initially takes place.
A previous round of industrial action scheduled for Christmas was narrowly averted when the High Court ruled it illegal. The result of the new ballot is expected on 22 February.
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