Dave_C

I believe they have the principle of solidarity amongst workers. Not an union member myself, nor have I ever been one, but isn't that the whole point of being a member?

V10

They'd be remarkably ignorant as to the collective nature of trades unions, if that were the case.

wolf72

I am flying out of Heathrow Terminal 5 on the 31st July to Stuttgart and then flying back into London on the 3rd August to catch a connecting to Singapore...do you think any strike will potentially affect these sectors?

KARFA

Potentially yes, but probably no.

wolf72

Crap....there goes our European holiday and all our money spent on hotels and football match tickets.

KARFA

? I said probably no. There are not that many instances of shorthaul cancellations due to use of the QR aircraft.

NWIFlyer

I would say any of the BA Unite members would be happy that money is being spent in this area, because they recognise that if BA wins this one they'll most likely be next on the hit list. On the other hand, if the union at least partly prevails, BA might be more likely to settle expeditiously next time around.

In past disputes, I've seen a certain level of disinterest between the different crew types, but here I perceive that the vast majority of cabin crew who are prepared to discuss it recognise just how shafted MF has been and they are getting enormous sympathy. I find very few cabin crew who are happy with their lot right now.

If you asked the question "How pleased are non-BA Unite members?", given it's such a massive union, maybe you'd have a point - but then, as others have said, that collective spirit is the whole point of belonging to one (not that I am), isn't it?

Calchas

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enzian

Thanks. I will monitor the flight and hope for the best. But if it is cancelled, we have no issues with jumping on CalTrain and heading up to SFO (we will be at our daughter's apartment the previous night, within walking distance to the CalTrain station). I guess I should find out beforehand what time the BA desk there is staffed---or maybe the queue starts forming ahead of time?

If we learn of a cancellation the night before, say 24 hours in advance, then might we still have a better chance (shorter queue) at SFO, or should we just go to SJC to talk to the BA staff there? It would make for an interesting evening's entertainment, although I cannot recall if there is anyplace landslide at SJC to get dinner and drinks.

We are flying in J with Avios. If we do have to change to a different flight, will they open up additional award seats for us, or will we have to accept a downgrade in class? Those flatbed seats are pretty important to us on an overnight flight---we are in our 70's and my husband has issues with his back if he sits upright too long (he needs to either stand, walk around, or lie down).

We can wait up to 3 days later to fly if we have to. . . But I should check my travel insurance to see if they cover losses and additional expenses incurred as a result of airline strikes/industrial action.

LordBuckethead

There are no BA staff in SJC, only agency staff who deal with BA (and will only be around a certain time before the flight). If you see it's affected the best thing to do will be to call them to switch flights. Try any number you can find to get through to whichever office is open. It sounds as if you can be fairly flexible so have a couple of options to talk through with the agent (obviously rank them in your order or preference, but they will be open to any of SFO same day, other US route connex (with AA) or SJC the next/following day).

You don't need award seats, you just need sale availability in the same cabin. They don't restrict rebooking by fare class in cases of disruption.

And most importantly, try not to worry, the most likely scenario is that your flight will run as planned, you'll have a nice flight and a great time in Europe

enzian

Thank you. That is good to know about the award seats.

Skimo

This is very much the case in my experience. Since the start of the dispute the distrust, hostility and distance between Legacy fleets and MF has completely evaporated. Everyone I know on legacy has either contributed to the hardship fund or/and paid for an online food shop for striking MF crew. I know of one person who paid the outstanding rent for a striker. Even some pilots have been helping out! This is very much a line-in-the-sand moment for most BA employees IMO.

Can I help you

To be very honest I was totally against the creation of Mixed Fleet, it was never about the actual crew.
I totally support my MF colleagues and have contributed to hardship fund and have taken food to Bedfont FC.

nallison

Interesting. And largely suggests that any 'victory' for BA will be a phyrric one, if it leaves most of the workforce completely demoralised and resenting management.

How much damage are they willing to do out of spite?

Can I help you

BA will never get back what they have lost.