UP to 2,000 British Airways cabin crew attended a BASSA meeting at Kempton Park near Heathrow Airport yesterday, which heard that the leadership of Unite will hold peace talks with BA bosses next week.
Negotiations on ending the cabin crew dispute will take place between Unite joint leaders Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson and BA boss Walsh, on the sidelines of the Trades Union Congress in Manchester.
The union indicated that if these talks failed, then BASSA members (who are affiliated to Unite) will be balloted for new strike action over the Christmas period.
The news came after BA boss Walsh announced his intention to take over 12 airlines.
BASSA members told News Line that the meeting voted unanimously to increase contributions to the union to provide funds for those crew who have to commute into work.
BASSA members added to News Line that the main issues that were raised by the platform of speakers at the meeting concerned the removal of the travel concessions and the suspensions and dismissals of dozens of BASSA members.
BASSA members spoke to News Line, on condition of anonymity to prevent victimisation.
One said: ‘The proposition to provide funds for our commuting colleagues was unanimously supported.
‘It was also intimated by reps that there would be a ballot for further strike action, but it was only intimated.
‘The solicitors on the platform discussed many legal issues concerning the removal of our travel allowance and the suspensions and dismissals of our colleagues.
‘We are not going to be beaten by Walsh, a man who uses terrible laws to attack workers.’
Another cabin crew member was concerned that there was not a definite plan for an immediate strike ballot.
She said: ‘We want action now. Waiting until Christmas is too complacent.
‘It was a very positive meeting, but we need more concrete plans.’
Another cabin crew member said: ‘Walsh wants to be in a position where he can impose whatever changes he wants on the workers.
‘I don’t believe he wants a settlement, he’s used every excuse to avoid a settlement.’
Another crew member told News Line: ‘I think we need a general walk-out.
‘They are trying to destroy the cabin crew and the unionised workforce.
‘Hundreds of decent men and women are being attacked and their lives are being destroyed.
‘We’ve got to win this fight.’
All the BASSA members attending the meeting wore yellow or carried yellow balloons or had yellow flowers in their hair, as an expression of solidarity, to say that they will not forget their sacked or suspended or colleagues and want them all reinstated, including their union representatives.
