Union members protest during last strike (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
By David Stewart White
Examiner.com
May 24, 2010
The latest strike by British Airways cabin crew has turned into more than just a disagreement over money, working conditions or benefits. The dispute between the Unite union and British Airways has become personal.
In one corner, there is Unite's General Secretary Derick Simpson, age 65, a trade unionist from Sheffield, England. Mr. Simpson's Tweeting during last minute negotiations with the airline infuriated his opponent.
In the other corner stands British Airways CEO Willie Walsh, 48 years-old from Dublin, Ireland, former pilot and manager at Aer Lingus. Mr. Walsh has been trying to reduce the legacy carrier's costly practices since taking over the British Airways in 2005. Defying the latest strike, Mr. Walsh ordered the message "Keep the flag flying" painted on the fuselages of some BA aircraft.
Tensions ran high as the two men met at the British ACAS negotiation service offices last weekend. But they reached a peak when members of the Socialist Workers Party took over parts of the building and Mr. Walsh had to be escorted away under police protection. For the record, Mr. Simpson labeled the protesters as "idiots" and told them to "shut-up." But the damage had been done.
Both men went on British television talks shows on Sunday to plead their cases. The Unite leader offered to suspend Monday's strike if the airline reinstated travel perks for some of its members; BA spokespersons reacted swiftly, saying that offer had already been made and accusing the Union of negotiating through the media.
A swift resolution to the continuing clash between the cabin crew union and British Airways seems unlikely.
The original strike dates included 20 days of strikes, spread out over:
• May 18-22 (stopped by court injunction)
• May 24-28,
• May 30-June 3, and
• June 5-9.
The airline is attempting to maintain most of its flights using non-striking employees, volunteers from other BA areas, and chartered aircraft. Schedules and information can be found on the British Airways website and travelers should check for updates frequently.
Comments