• Campaigns
• BA: United we stand
• Unite press releases
• Unite announces fresh ballot of cabin crew members
• Unite denounces BA for seeking 'scab' crew to run the 'world's favourite airline'
• Unite rules out strike by BA cabin crew at Easter
• Court ruling shames BA for cabin crew discrimination
• Macho management pushing British Airways to the brink
• See sense or there will be turbulence ahead - Woodley on BA dispute
• Unite BA pilots union to respect trade union principles
• Inexperienced BA strike-breaker crew will not be able to respond to passengers in emergencies, Unite warns
• BA's handful of strike breakers can't run airline, says Unite
• Low wages, tax credits and the distress of a poorer service - cabin crew tell ‘The Truth’ behind the BA dispute

See sense or there will be turbulence ahead

20th December 2009

Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley on the BA dispute

Many people will be rejoicing that the Xmas strike on British Airways has been outlawed.

We understand that - even though it is wrong that a judge can simply set aside an overwhelming democratic vote for strike action. 

No-one wants to see the festive season spoiled. But the High Court can’t run a company or settle a dispute. 

BA boss Willie Walsh needs to accept the fact that he has lost the support of his cabin crew - skilled and vital employees - and that he needs to win it back if BA is to get airborne again.

Imposing worse working conditions on hard-working cabin crew, on whom  passengers depend, is no way to win in the competitive aviation business.

Job cuts will not motivate the sort of staff who many canny airlines use as a marketing tool to secure business. 

BA stewards and stewardesses wear their uniform with pride. They are not to blame for the company’s problems, which arise from the economic crisis made in the City, and blunders like the botched opening of Terminal Five at Heathrow and the “dirty tricks” of the past.

That is why Unite will continue to stand by our cabin crew members ,and organising a fresh strike ballot so their voice can be heard.

Let there be no doubt - if BA don’t see sense, there will be turbulence ahead.

But there is plenty of time to find a better way. Only a negotiated agreement can end this dispute.

It’s the time of year for good resolutions. I would suggest Willie Walsh pledges to make 2010 a year for negotiation, not litigation or confrontation.

Macho management will push this great British brand over the brink.  But common sense can secure a better future for BA, passengers and employees alike.  That would be a Xmas present we can all enjoy. Unite stands ready to play its  constructive part.

Tony Woodley
Joint general secretary, Unite