Union says BA job cuts are bitter blow to loyal staff
Union leaders representing British Airways’ cabin crew have expressed "bitter disappointment" at the airline’s decision to axe 400 senior jobs.
The airline said today that all redundancies amongst senior cabin crew would be voluntary and it has started a 90-day consultation with staff.
A BA spokesman said 2,338 staff would be eligible to apply for voluntary redundancy – about 15% of total crew members – and he said that, contrary to the union’s stance, the airline was anticipating good demand for the offer.
BA said it was shedding the jobs due to an imbalance of senior cabin crew. "There is no question of reducing crew numbers on flights," said the spokesman. "This is about addressing the imbalance we have in the airline."
Jobs are expected to start disappearing from next March. Unite the Union vowed to fight any compulsory redundancies. National officer Oliver Richardson said: "This is a bitter disappointment at a time of economic uncertainty and will be a blow for loyal staff who now face an uncertain Christmas and new year.
"We will be working to ensure that BA keeps its promise of ‘no compulsory’ redundancies. Any attempts to force people, wanting to continue working for BA, out of a job will be resisted."
BA said it was looking to cut the number of cabin crew who worked exclusively on either short or long-haul routes but not those who worked across both. According to the BBC, it is looking to shed 4% of its total cabin crew.
The broadcaster said that the most senior cabin crew could earn £50,000 to £60,000 and many still held onto the sort of perks BA used to offer but has been keen to cut more recently.
The last time BA announced major cuts to staffing levels, pay and perks was in 2010 when it became embroiled in a long-running, acrimonious and expensive dispute with staff, who staged a series of strikes.
BA’s sister airline Iberia is looking to axe 4,500 jobs.
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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