headingwest

Make no doubts about it folks, BA will throw the kitchen sink at this. They couldn't possibly have done with a strike at Christmas, it would have been just too horrible to watch - stranded families with children and the like. You can bet your life they're quite happy to take on the crew now when they'd get a bad press anyway with the introduction on BoB.

orbitmic

It may well be although I admit that it surprises me (but may by the way explain the point you made on the commute route which may well be part of the contract), but for the record, the first point of ahmetdouas remains true: this is very much blackmail, and not even subtle one.

orbitmic

I agree with you: I think BA's tactic was merely to avoid a xmas/New Year strike. That was their worst case scenario because 1) as you say, it's terrible PR and dreadful image in the media, 2) it would have maximised striking numbers: many people resent losing a day of pay by striking but what the heck, losing a day of pay to spend xmas with your kids is well worth it to most.

They managed that and now the strike will have much less effect. In that sense, I think that what one poster above mentioned about regular mini-strikes would likely be a better strategy for the unions but it is much harder to organise.

Calchas

So, speculating, BA's strategy was to make an offer just good enough that it sensibly had to be shown to the union membership and delay the strike, but hopefully not good enough to be accepted?

Blueboys999

Not quite the 'Unacceptable Face of Capitalism' but I agree that it doesn't seem to paint a very good picture of the Employer/Employee relationship at BA.

strichener

Custom and Practice would make these benefits implied contractual terms.

headingwest

Well obviously they would have been over the moon if it had been accepted, but I doubt it was imperative.

orbitmic

Good summary. I think priority no1 was to derail the union's (similarly strategic) choice to 'go for xmas'. Let's say that I suspect BA realised that the new offer would probably not be accepted.

User Name

To no greater or lesser degree than F&B was included in our short-haul tickets or working IFE (or whatever else) is in the cost of long-haul ones. I'm sure the travel perks are placed front and centre during the advertising and recruitment process for CC roles.

Tafflyer

And so the dirty game continues. This is disgusting. Actually, maybe I'm being too sentimental here, but I also find it very un-British to be deploying these tactics. How can BA in their right minds think that this will not hurt them in the PR battle?

Lite, I applaud you and your colleagues for sticking to your guns here and wish you a satisfactory outcome. I'll gladly hang around Heathrow next Tuesday if your action results in my flight being cancelled. Heck, maybe some of us BA passengers should publicly show you some support.

headingwest

I must say I find it all extremely sad. About a year and a half ago I always chose BA over other airlines because I really enjoyed the experience. OK, the product was never exceptional, but it was comfortable and as a Brit it really felt 'homely' mostly because of the great hospitality and crew. Since then the relentless cuts have really taken their toll and it's quite shocking what this airline has become - that's just from a passenger's perspective, I can't imagine what it's been like for the employees. Which is why the crew have my 100% support. BA is crying out for new responsible management who know how to treat their employees and protect the BA brand.

To me it's also telling that some of the most active members on this forum who generally tend to spin any enhancement in BA's defence; continuously claim that BA is just as good, if not better, than the competition; praise the professionalism of the employees, have remained completely quiet - not a squeak. Why aren't they supporting the very people who make BA what it is? Are they so afraid of rocking the management boat?

Deltus

Perhaps the affected crew will be offered 1,000 avios as compensation for the withdrawal of this complimentary benefit then...

ahmetdouas

BA is not run by Brits anymore = ) The chairman is Irish and the CEO Spanish! They could care less about the 'national aspect' of the British Airways brand!

Tafflyer

Well many of us on here have repeatedly pointed to the British-ness of the crew and general feeling on board as probably the only reason remaining for flying BA. When that is gone there is really nothing left any more. The commodotisation of air travel will not work in their favour when there is no category that they are better at any more.

sarahuk

Why do you keep insulting other nationalities?
Just because you don't like/agree with BA management it does not mean that Irish and Spanish people in BA management are not capable of understanding British Airways brand.

I see good and bad on both sides. On a personal level BA management have so far been very understanding and helpful when I needed a flight home urgently due to bereavement so they are not all bad.
The crew on this flight MIA -LHR were also excellent and supportive and helped us through security quickly at LHR.
On a poor note my husband and I flew CE TSK-LGW last year and on boarding the plane my Irish husband said hello to the mixed fleet CSM who ignored him looked at her crew member laughing and said " oh we will need an interpreter for that one" it was as if she thought we could not hear!!
There is good and bad on both sides.