British Airways Chief Reassures Customers on Impending Pilot Strike
Jackie Reddy August 02, 2019
Earlier this week, BA’s attempt to halt a proposed summer strike by its pilots was stopped. With industrial action set to go ahead, Willie Walsh, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG) – the airline’s parent company – said that he is willing to do all he can for passengers affected by the strike.
Earlier this week, an attempt by British Airways (BA) to scupper a proposed strike by the carrier’s pilots was halted. However, with potential industrial action set to take place at some point this month, Willie Walsh, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG) – the carrier’s parent company – is seeking to offer some reassurance to customers. Speaking to Sky News, Walsh said his carrier is willing to do “everything we can” for passengers in the event of a strike, which could coincide with the height of the summer travel season.
He also described the pay deal being offered to pilots, which amounts to 11.5% over three years, as being “fair”. Walsh’s comments come just after IAG revealed a 43% drop in post-tax profit, conditions it says are due to high fuel costs.
An exact date for proposed strike action by the airline’s pilots has not been given. The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), which represents BA’s pilots, is required to give 14 days warning prior to strike action, but it says that it is still attempting to resolve the issue via negotiation.
[Featured Image: Wikimedia]
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I have no particular knowledge on the BA situation, but I have observed that union goals are often contrary to the long term success of the company, and thereby its employees. This is routinely reflected in threats of strike, which illustrate a complete lack of consideration for the customers, and a willingness to let the company lose millions of dollars if they do not succumb to the union's demands. I have always thought that the best solution is to give the employees an ownership interest in the company. If the company makes more money, then the employees make more. If the company makes less money, then the employees make less. As it stands now, the unions routinely hold the company hostage whenever a contract comes up for renegotiation. Moreover, contracts are always scheduled to expire during the most critical time in the company's operations. This is not by accident. More than one company or organization has been scuttled due to untenable employment contracts.