by René Lavanchy
Unite cabin crew members at British Airways will next Monday begin working to new terms and conditions of employment after the union was refused an injunction to stop BA imposing the changes.
But Unite is set to take the company back to the High Court in February over the reduction in staffing levels and new lower-paid workforce.
Meanwhile, cabin crew are also being balloted on Monday over the contract changes, which could see them strike as early as December 21.
A BA spokesperson told trade magazine Recruiter there were no plans to hire temporary staff during a strike. Plans to cut 3,000 staff by April 2010 continue. l
Labour manifesto
Labour MPs in
radical manifesto policy bid
by René Lavanchy
Labour MPs are seeking to persuade Gordon Brown into adopting a more “radical” policy agenda for the party manifesto at the general election.
Former environment minister Michael Meacher is canvassing support for a list of policy principles drawn up under the banner of the Coalition for Labour Victory.
The statement calls for “massive public investment” in house building, the splitting of banks’ retail and investment arms, keeping Royal Mail publicly owned, higher taxes for the wealthy and the restoration of trade union rights.
Supporters of the statement insisted this week they were receiving support from beyond the “usual suspects” group of rebel left-wing MPs.
Centre-left MP Jon Cruddas and former minister Chris Mullin have both offered their backing, and unions such as Unite, Unison and the GMB are thought to be supportive.
Mr Cruddas told Tribune that “radical taxation and spending policies” were needed in the manifesto.“People have realised that the world has changed. The real worry for me is that the little guy is going to have to pick up the tab as always.
“I think that will strike a nerve with people. The current situation demands boldness. It also links into party democracy.”
Party activists are meanwhile hoping to find out arrangements for the final National Policy Forum at next week’s National Executive Committee meeting.
It will be the final opportunity for unions and constituencies to complete the policymaking process adjourned at Warwick last year.
