British Airways Cabin Crews Vote to Strike: Date Uncertain
 

FYI

http://www.cnn.com/2010/BUSINESS/02/...ex.html?hpt=T2

Again?!? I thought they got this sorted out at Christmas. Do they really need all of that backlash within a few months of getting the last one dealt with?

Yes, this is very disappointing. We have flights on BA departing 3/21 and returning 4/3 and are very nervous. Waiting with baited breath to hear the strike dates!

They didn't sort anything at Christmas. BA went to court to have the strike declared illegal as some staff who were leaving the company took part in the strike ballot. The union have now reballoted and the staff appear to have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. No dates have been announced for strikes as the union wants further talks with management.

One interesting thing to note though is that one of their complaints was the change in working procedures and the "High Court ruled only last week that changes it [BA] made to working procedures didn't breach individual crew members' contracts. It noted also that much of the balloting had concluded before the court decision was announced, and it asked Unite to consider that when it weighs its next steps."

If that case had been ruled earlier I wonder what the vote would have been?

BA won on a technicality before Christmas - 92% of about 12000 votes cast were in favour of the strike. The 600 or so "ineligible" voters made no difference at all.

The Crew obviously feel that they have a legitimate grievance (I am not sure they have a great deal of sympathy among the public), and I do not think BA will be willing to negotiate. I believe the Strike cannot happen before next week, or after 3 weeks from the ballot.

Disruption may be greater than just to BA, as other staff such as baggage handlers have previously stated their intentions to support the cabin crew.

Looks as if things are getting contagious

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8552049.stm

BA and Unite will end their negotioations on next Tuesday March 9; at that point we will know if the strike date is announced or sides will come to a compromise. The eralist dat strike can start is March 16th