Unite seeks protections for workers and looks at the
long term effect of BA/Iberia Merger
1 August 2008
Unite, the UK's biggest trade union, which represents more than
75,000 workers in the aviation industry and some 25,000 within
British Airways and Iberia, today took a cautious approach to the
announcement that they are in discussions to merge.
Steve Turner, Unite National Secretary said: “Unite will be
working closely with Spanish trade union colleagues - strong
bilateral relations already exist with the CC.OO - and an urgent
meeting is already being scheduled to ensure workers interests are
protected as these companies inevitably seek greater efficiencies
and cost savings as well as the opening up of markets, in the wake
a successful merger".
“Any merger must provide for increased job security as well as
protected terms and conditions for thousands of dedicated,
professional employees and we will be seeking clear assurances from
both BA and Iberia on these matters as well as the future of their
operations. We will be seeking specific safeguards in respect
of any potential opportunity for BA to utilise non-UK based cabin
crew as well as protections for workers in customer service and
ground handling operations."
Brian Boyd Unite National Officer added: “This comes on the back
of other merger consultations that the union has been involved
with. Consolidation within the sector has brought about changes in
working practices and terms and conditions of employment for
thousands of airline employees. Thomas Cook / My Travel, First
Choice / Thomsonfly, and Easyjet / GB Airways, are some of the
companies that Unite has had extensive discussions with in relation
to business consolidation. We are also well aware of the effect
that the cost of fuel which sits at $123 a barrel has had on the
industry. Continued consolidation within the sector is
inevitable.
“However, Unite members have experienced the often negative
effect consolidation has on their terms and conditions of
employment. Therefore although the merger of BA with Iberia could
be seen as a positive development within the industry, we are
mindful of the long term impact it may have on our members’ jobs
and earnings. BA has a proud record unlike other UK carriers of
keeping its fleet maintenance in-house and Unite has supported this
position for many years. We would be opposed to any cost cutting
which results in the outsourcing of this strategically important
work.”
Ends: Contact - Brian Boyd 07880 796347 and Steve Turner 07980
721423
