by Keith Richmond
Unite members at British Airways are to be balloted on industrial action over changes the airline says it is determined to drive through to cut costs. The union is also taking legal action to prevent the firm imposing changes without agreement.
Len McCluskey, assistant general secretary, said: “BA faces significant difficulties across the business, so why is it also seeking a damaging confrontation with 14,000 cabin crew? It needs to abandon plans to force through unfair and unworkable contractual changes.
“Cabin crew will not stand by while the service they proudly provide, and which is the core of BA’s appeal to customers, is cut to the bone. Passengers and the business will suffer so we cannot understand BA management’s logic.”
BA wants to cut 3,700 jobs – in addition to 2,500 it has already cut since 2008 – freeze pay and introduce new employment contracts for those who are left. The company says it has to cut costs in the face of savage competition from low cost airlines, the rising cost of aviation fuel and fewer passengers due to the global recession.
The union – which was seeking an injunction in the High Court yesterday (Thursday) – will announce the result of its ballot on December 14. Workers could walk out on December 21 – and effectively cancel Christmas for the company.
