British Airways cabin crew vote for 12-day strike

[hmv]

British Airways cabin crew members have voted heavily in favour of industrial action, with a 12-day strike set to begin on 22 December.

The vote, which had more than an 80% turnout, was 92.5% in favour of a strike, says the Unite union, which says it want to hold further talks with BA in a bid to avoid the walk-out.

"We're hoping that the size of this vote will make the company think again," says a Unite spokesman.

Cabin crew were issued ballot paper for industrial action last month, as controversial new working practices came into effect.

The Unite union has claimed that the changes will mean fewer cabin crew will be required to take on higher workloads, affecting service quality.

BA has yet to respond to the strike decision.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... trike.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Widebodies to Amsterdam?

[worldliner]

What is the chance KLM will send larger planes to LHR if the strike will take place? I am flying LHR-AMS 22nd. It is currently scheduled to be operated with a 738 but I wouldn't mind a MD11, 777 or 747...

[hmv]

Well hopefully BA..cause they will probably cancel some flights..
Last year or the year before many flights were canceled on one day to london because of the weather. KLM used a widebody to accomodate the pax, because of the cancelled flights.

[worldliner]

BA is currently working on a new schedule for the period. ATM it is not possible to book any flight between LHR and AMS on those days so I guess British Airways will reload their flights as soon as they have made a new schedule.

[aviodromefriend]

Well, having been a near victim of a BA walkout at LHR some years ago, I can tell you KLM was unwilling to take over BA passengers to Amsterdam, as they were not wanting to be known as a strike breaker.

[SpotterNL]

Well, having been a near victim of a BA walkout at LHR some years ago, I can tell you KLM was unwilling to take over BA passengers to Amsterdam, as they were not wanting to be known as a strike breaker.

And in certain conditions it is not just a case of not wanting to, but not being allowed to. It has been a while since I had a course in (strike)law, but IIRC it is illegal to use capacity (usually in the form of temporary workers) from outside the company to take over the loss of capacity caused by a (legal!!!) strike, as it deminishes the effect of the strike. Not sure how it plays out here, but that might be a factor.

[aviodromefriend]

Well, having been a near victim of a BA walkout at LHR some years ago, I can tell you KLM was unwilling to take over BA passengers to Amsterdam, as they were not wanting to be known as a strike breaker.

And in certain conditions it is not just a case of not wanting to, but not being allowed to. It has been a while since I had a course in (strike)law, but IIRC it is illegal to use capacity (usually in the form of temporary workers) from outside the company to take over the loss of capacity caused by a (legal!!!) strike, as it deminishes the effect of the strike. Not sure how it plays out here, but that might be a factor.

Well, I actually didn't want to go in details too much, as it was another strike, but I can't imagine it is legal to check in luggage, then print a boarding pass, check the passport, stand up and walk away, without handing over that printed boarding pass NOR the passport belonging to the passenger standing in front of your desk, even not informing them you were going on strike at that very second. (BTW BA appeared to be able to lay on coaches for their passengers to AMS that time.) And for people planning to travel with BA during that period: after that strike they were booking all the people affected into planes with capacity anywhen in the future. People with tickets for the planes leaving immediately after the strike were leaving about on time (not much more delayed as normal at Heathrow), People affected had to wait until any seat was available, some having to spend a few more days in an overcrowded terminal.

[worldliner]

Cabin crew strike - called off (British Airways)

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/st ... blic/en_nl" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;