The main strike thread seems to have got bogged down in a re-run of the 1980's ideological battle between capital and labour so maybe it is worthwhile opening a new information thread for those of us whose main concern is whether we can get away from this rain-soaked island next weekend?
The latest news I can see is that the GMB has called the revised offer a "small step in the right direction". Doesn't sound too promising but at least the two sides are meeting again later today.
The latest news I can see is that the GMB has called the revised offer a "small step in the right direction". Doesn't sound too promising but at least the two sides are meeting again later today.
As a follow-up here is the latest from the BA website:
"What we can say at this stage though is that our plans include looking at various options for our customers such as re-booking onto other services or re-routing them.
In terms of how industrial action would affect our services our contingency plans focus on a number of scenarios and planning which flights we would operate for each scenario.
Inevitably, if there is industrial action we are not expecting to be able to operate a full schedule of flights. However, we will only be able to publish our flight schedule if and when we are informed of industrial action."
That last bit sounds ominous.....
"What we can say at this stage though is that our plans include looking at various options for our customers such as re-booking onto other services or re-routing them.
In terms of how industrial action would affect our services our contingency plans focus on a number of scenarios and planning which flights we would operate for each scenario.
Inevitably, if there is industrial action we are not expecting to be able to operate a full schedule of flights. However, we will only be able to publish our flight schedule if and when we are informed of industrial action."
That last bit sounds ominous.....
Quite so, comrade 
, and it's because there's an info vacuum. Everyone's speculating and proselytising in the absence of hard news. Would be great to keep at least this thread for the latter. ^
, and it's because there's an info vacuum. Everyone's speculating and proselytising in the absence of hard news. Would be great to keep at least this thread for the latter. ^ Quote:
Originally Posted by aristoph
The main strike thread seems to have got bogged down in a re-run of the 1980's ideological battle between capital and labour...
Some more non-News
'Major problems' over BA pay deal
A union leader has warned of "major problems" over a new pay offer by British Airways to avert a strike by thousands of check-in staff and baggage handlers over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The airline is offering 1,000 to its workers linked to improvements in sickness absence in an attempt to avoid a 24-hour walk-out.
Ed Blisset, chief negotiator for the GMB union, met BA managers today and said further negotiations will be held in the hope of reaching an agreement.
But he said workers were not happy that the company was trying to link the pay rise with sickness leave.
He said: "We have a real difficulty with that and we have to find a way through the problem.
"If the company insists on linking pay with absence, it will cause a real problem.
"There are major problems with that which I will be discussing with the company."
Mr Blisset said he would be exploring every avenue possible to try to reach a deal.
A union leader has warned of "major problems" over a new pay offer by British Airways to avert a strike by thousands of check-in staff and baggage handlers over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The airline is offering 1,000 to its workers linked to improvements in sickness absence in an attempt to avoid a 24-hour walk-out.
Ed Blisset, chief negotiator for the GMB union, met BA managers today and said further negotiations will be held in the hope of reaching an agreement.
But he said workers were not happy that the company was trying to link the pay rise with sickness leave.
He said: "We have a real difficulty with that and we have to find a way through the problem.
"If the company insists on linking pay with absence, it will cause a real problem.
"There are major problems with that which I will be discussing with the company."
Mr Blisset said he would be exploring every avenue possible to try to reach a deal.
For those of us who are not residents of England, can someone define the exact dates of the Bank Holiday weekend. Does it include Friday, August 27? If so, then I might get well and truly shafted because I am scheduled on BA from OSL-LHR to connect with AA155 and home.
So, if this isn't too much of an existential question, what constitutes a weekend? Thanks
.
So, if this isn't too much of an existential question, what constitutes a weekend? Thanks
.The unions have said that they might strike during any 24hr period beginning from 0430h on 27th August. I fear the Friday is a very likely day for it as it is the day most of us try and leave the country for the long weekend. 
The Bank Holiday is a holiday which would normally be a working day, in this case a Monday, and the BH weekend is the weekend around it, defined like any other weekend, depending on how long are your weekends. For most, I'm sure this BH weekend would be at least Fri evening to all day Monday inc., i.e. 27-30 August.
Strike is, I believe, scheduled for one 24hr period in the four days Fri-Mon.
Strike is, I believe, scheduled for one 24hr period in the four days Fri-Mon.
Quote:
So, if this isn't too much of an existential question, what constitutes a weekend? Thanks .
Originally Posted by mAAine_flyer
For those of us who are not residents of England, can someone define the exact dates of the Bank Holiday weekend. Does it include Friday, August 27? If so, then I might get well and truly shafted because I am scheduled on BA from OSL-LHR to connect with AA155 and home. So, if this isn't too much of an existential question, what constitutes a weekend? Thanks
.
The places to keep an eye on for latest info is:
Reuters news on BA
GMB Press Releases
T&G Headlines
.... and of course latest BA flight info
Reuters news on BA
GMB Press Releases
T&G Headlines
.... and of course latest BA flight info
Quote:
Thanks, comrade Originally Posted by Dakota
Strike is, I believe, scheduled for one 24hr period in the four days Fri-Mon.
. I'll guess I'll take things as they come.I have in the back of my mind somewhere that the T&G's ballot result isn't now going to be announced until some time on Friday (it was to have been today). If that is right, then would this mean that the strike is unlikely to start until 0430 Saturday at the earliest? (Because 7 day's notice of a strike is required.)
That'll dovetail nicely with my planned flight to Dublin on Saturday afternoon.
Of course, if my memory serves me incorrectly, I'll just have to chalk it up to a senior moment.
That'll dovetail nicely with my planned flight to Dublin on Saturday afternoon.
Of course, if my memory serves me incorrectly, I'll just have to chalk it up to a senior moment.
Quote:
That'll dovetail nicely with my planned flight to Dublin on Saturday afternoon.
Of course, if my memory serves me incorrectly, I'll just have to chalk it up to a senior moment.
Originally Posted by Globaliser
I have in the back of my mind somewhere that the T&G's ballot result isn't now going to be announced until some time on Friday (it was to have been today). If that is right, then would this mean that the strike is unlikely to start until 0430 Saturday at the earliest? (Because 7 day's notice of a strike is required.)That'll dovetail nicely with my planned flight to Dublin on Saturday afternoon.
Of course, if my memory serves me incorrectly, I'll just have to chalk it up to a senior moment.
They have stated today that as the results of their ballot "is so important" they plan to announce the result imminently. This will be for a strike and the results are therefore intended to place further pressure on BA to improve the offer before what is effectively a close of business deadline on Thursday afternoon.
Big margin in favour of action from the T&G. 66% of check-in staff, 84% of baggage handlers. BA has urged them to reballot with new offer but I would think there's fat chance of that happening.
Does anyone know whether this will affect IB flights?
Does anyone know whether this will affect IB flights?