BA strike-breakers misguided say Lufthansa pilots
25th February 2010
The union for Lufthansa pilots, Vereinigung Cockpits (Cockpit
Association), has voiced concerns that their British Airways
counterparts are training as cabin crew to help break any possible
strike by BA's cabin crew.
According to VC's Jorg Handwerg, they are astonished at BA's
attempts to train pilots and ground staff to act as crew, warning
that they would soon have their own battle with the company over
contracts and pensions. Lufthansa pilots are presently in dispute
with their own employers over outsourcing and cost-cutting
proposals.
Mr Handwerg is reported to have said: “Our struggle with
Lufthansa will be reciprocated at BA. I call on all union members
to support each other, rather than undermining the legitimate fight
of another group of employees.”
He also told Unite: “I cannot imagine that pilots would be
willing to work in the cabin to break a strike. As a union it does
not look very fortunate if members of one union help breaking a
strike against another one.”
Unite assistant general secretary, Len McCluskey, added: “We
hope those few BA pilots who are contemplating acting as
strike-breakers take heed of this warning from one of their
own.
“Crew and the pilots share a tremendous responsibility, which is
the care and safety of their passengers. Their relationship must be
one of utter trust so we have nothing but condemnation for BA's
intent to damage these vital relationships solely to further its
aim of breaking the crew.”
ENDS
For further information, please call Pauline Doyle on 07976 832
861.
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