26 June 2009

British Airways staff agrees to work for free

LONDON - British Airways has said 800 workers have volunteered to work for nothing for up to a month, following the airline's request to cut costs.

The BBC says another 4,000 employees are taking unpaid leave, while 1,400 people have volunteered to work part-time.

The airline put the proposal to 40,000 staff. BA chief Willie Walsh has already agreed to work unpaid in July, forgoing his month's salary of Ã&#pound;61,000.

Unions said asking staff to work for nothing was "unrealistic".

"The fact that less than two percent of BA's workforce chose to take up this option demonstrates that there is no real support for this,Ã¢â¬~ the union added.

The airline, which is struggling in the downturn, says the move will save Ã&#pound;10m.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThis response clearly shows the significant difference individuals can make," said Walsh.

FootNote: Crisis-ridden Air India has allowed its employees to go on leave without pay for two to five years.

More importantly, it will allow employees who opt for this scheme to work for rival airlines or associated businesses with AI managementÃ¢â¬â¢s permission.

This voluntary scheme is applicable to all employees, except aircraft engineers and pilots.