14 July 2009

Caged lemmings set to greet BA execs at AGM today

Protestors with caged live lemmings are expected to greet British Airways executives as they arrive at the airline’s AGM today.

According to press reports, the airline's management will be met by angry workers at the London meeting, protesting over its plans to cut jobs.

They will be holding placards with slogans including ‘British Airways deserves better than to be led by lemmings’ and ‘Willie, time to head to the departure gate?’.

BA has been talking to unions in a bid to cut 2,000 cabin crew and 1,000 administrative staff.

Yesterday, pilots voted overwhelmingly to accept a 2.6% pay cut, but will receive BA shares in exchange.

Last week, BA cabin crew represented by the union, Unite, agreed to take a 2.6% pay cut and a pay freeze until February 2011.

A letter from Unite to shareholders states: "We firmly believe that the proposed changes cut so deep into operations that they could eliminate any hope the airline has of returning to its rightful position as the world’s leading airline.

"Attempts to present these changes as a fight for survival are not only misguided, they are also talking down the airline of which we are fiercely proud, destabilising the business and putting into jeopardy the futures of 40,000 employees."

By Bev Fearis