Unite statement on BA claims about Acas talks
16th March 2010
Tony Woodley, Unite joint general secretary, said: “The
assertion made by Willie Walsh yesterday (Monday) – and
uncritically repeated by too much of the media – that Unite failed
to attend talks at Acas last weekend to resolve the BA dispute is
utterly false.
“Derek Simpson and I were in continual contact with Acas over
the weekend to explain our position on the dispute and at no time
was it ever suggested that we should attend a meeting, nor that Mr
Walsh was expecting one. Acas has expressed its extreme annoyance
at BA’s misrepresentation of the position.
“The facts are that yesterday Acas asked Unite if we would
suspend our strikes if BA put its withdrawn offer back on the
table. Unite said yes. And Acas asked BA if it would reinstate its
offer if Unite called off the strikes. The company said no.
“It is therefore abundantly clear where responsibility for the
continuation of this dispute lies.”
ENDS
