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04/01/2017
British Airways Cabin Crew Announces New Strike Dates
Unite cabin crew members working for British Airways 'mixed fleet' announced a 48-hour strike starting on Tuesday 10 January, after the airline refused to extend the mandate of the strike vote to allow for talks to resolve an ongoing dispute over 'poverty pay' to continue.
Warning British Airways of needlessly seeking conflict, Unite said its members were legally required to take industrial action within 28 days of voting for it, unless the airline agreed to an extension.
The move follows repeated attempts by Unite to hold meaningful talks with the airline after ‘mixed fleet’ cabin members voted to reject a pay offer negotiated at the conciliation service Acas, before Christmas. A two day stoppage scheduled for Christmas day and Boxing day was suspended to allow Unite members to vote on the offer.
Rather than engage in further talks following the offer's rejection, Unite accused British Airways of instead seeking to unpick the progress made towards addressing 'poverty pay' during Acas talks.
According to communications seen by the union, British Airways initially informed cabin crew they could receive the original inferior pay deal this month if they declared they were not a member of a trade union. Subsequently this offer, which was rejected by 93 per cent of Unite members in ballot earlier in 2016, was extended to all ‘mixed fleet’ cabin crew.
Unite national officer Oliver Richardson said: "British Airways is needlessly provoking strike action by refusing to extend the mandate of the strike ballot and allow meaningful talks to take place.
"Instead of listening to why its 'mixed fleet' cabin crew rejected the offer negotiated at Acas, British Airways has sought instead to try and bully a workforce of young men and women who are trying to eke out a living on poverty pay.
"Such game playing and a desire to seek confrontation is not only a great disservice to passengers, but shows an unwillingness by British Airways to engage in constructive industrial relations."
Warning British Airways of needlessly seeking conflict, Unite said its members were legally required to take industrial action within 28 days of voting for it, unless the airline agreed to an extension.
The move follows repeated attempts by Unite to hold meaningful talks with the airline after ‘mixed fleet’ cabin members voted to reject a pay offer negotiated at the conciliation service Acas, before Christmas. A two day stoppage scheduled for Christmas day and Boxing day was suspended to allow Unite members to vote on the offer.
Rather than engage in further talks following the offer's rejection, Unite accused British Airways of instead seeking to unpick the progress made towards addressing 'poverty pay' during Acas talks.
According to communications seen by the union, British Airways initially informed cabin crew they could receive the original inferior pay deal this month if they declared they were not a member of a trade union. Subsequently this offer, which was rejected by 93 per cent of Unite members in ballot earlier in 2016, was extended to all ‘mixed fleet’ cabin crew.
Unite national officer Oliver Richardson said: "British Airways is needlessly provoking strike action by refusing to extend the mandate of the strike ballot and allow meaningful talks to take place.
"Instead of listening to why its 'mixed fleet' cabin crew rejected the offer negotiated at Acas, British Airways has sought instead to try and bully a workforce of young men and women who are trying to eke out a living on poverty pay.
"Such game playing and a desire to seek confrontation is not only a great disservice to passengers, but shows an unwillingness by British Airways to engage in constructive industrial relations."
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British Airways' 'Mixed Fleet' To Take Part In Strike Over Pay
British Airways' 'mixed fleet' cabin crew working on long and short haul flights out of Heathrow Airport will be taking part in a three day strike next week in their dispute over poverty pay, union Unite has confirmed, The second stoppage running for 72 hours starts at 00:01 on Thursday 19 January and follows this week's strongly supported two day
British Airways' 'Mixed Fleet' To Take Part In Strike Over Pay
British Airways' 'mixed fleet' cabin crew working on long and short haul flights out of Heathrow Airport will be taking part in a three day strike next week in their dispute over poverty pay, union Unite has confirmed, The second stoppage running for 72 hours starts at 00:01 on Thursday 19 January and follows this week's strongly supported two day
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
