Workers strike against 'Brutish' Airways

Workers strike against 'Brutish' Airways

By James Vassilopoulos

British Airways cabin crews struck for 72 hours July 9-11 to protest against a £42 million pay and conditions cut. Picketers carried signs saying "Brutish Airways".

The new package will increase basic hours for existing staff and reduce pay for new recruits by 19%. One cabin crew member lost £160 in wages on one six-day trip. The cuts come at a time when BA made £640 million profit this year. BA's chief executive, Robert Ayling, is paid £513,000 a year.

Since it is illegal for cabin crew to strike, the 1700 workers called in sick for the three days. Although medical certificates are not required in Britain unless a worker has been ill for one week, BA is pressuring the workers to provide a certificate.

The strike halted 60-80% of BA's flights and forced the company to negotiate with unions. As well, 9000 BA ground staff have voted three to one in favour of strike action to oppose the sell-off of BA's catering division.

The leadership of the Transport and General Workers Union, however, is undermining the workers' action. Union general secretary Bill Morris wrote to BA stating, "The TGWU has made it crystal clear it is not opposed to change and accepts the £42 million savings target set by the company".

From GLW issue 284