BA staff insist profits should be shared
Three unions representing British Airways’ pilots and cabin crew have submitted a joint pay claim to the airline, which has just announced record profits.
In a joint statement, BALPA, Unite and GMB said staff who had helped turn around the airline’s fortunes from a £230 million loss in 2009 to a £1.95 billion ‘powerhouse’ in 2018 should be given a better pay deal.
All BA’s 25,000 union members are currently being balloted on pay 2.7 increase, which guarantees a minimum pay increase of £500 for all colleagues, which union representatives have recommended they reject.
The three unions are seeking an improved three-year deal with enhanced profit-sharing and the re-introduction of an employee share ownership scheme.
"The negotiations are now at a critical stage if an industrial dispute is to be avoided," said the statement.
"Cabin crew, pilots, engineers, terminal workers, office staff and managers are the backbone of BA’s powerful premium brand. In the bad times they have given. Now that times are good, that loyalty needs to be repaid," it added.
"A woefully inadequate pay offer is simply an insult to that sacrifice. British Airways is now in danger of losing the support of its own staff support and damaging its brand in this important centenary year.
"BA must end its austerity approach to pay negotiations, re-connect with its employees and deliver a pay deal that properly reflects its record-breaking profits."
In a statement, BA said: "Our pay proposal is fair, reasonable and reflects typical pay awards given by other companies in the UK. We continue open discussions with our trade unions."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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