12.03.10
British Airways is facing the threat of another strike, with the Unite union considering a poll of ground staff over proposed changes to working practices, Sky reports. The union is anticipated to announce strike dates by BA cabin crew today after talks aimed toward resolving a longrunning row over cost-cutting broke down.
Commenting on the new stike risk, Sky's business correspondent Joel Hills said: ‘My understanding is that BA has been in talks with its 4,500 baggage handlers and ground staff about cost-saving variations for some time. Unite is unhappy with some of the modifications because they are saying it would erradicate overtime and result in redundancies.’
He reports that on March 5, Ken Petrie, the general manager of BA's Heathrow Ramp and Baggage Service wrote to ground staff. The letter asked ground staff to complete a 'preference form' to indicate which area of the division they wished to work in. Staff were told that if they don't return a questionnaire, the airline will assume they do not have an area preference.
Mr HIlls said: ‘Unite sees the letter as a provocative attempt to bypass negotiations and impose change rather than negotiate. They have told BA that unless it withdraws the letter right away, it intends to ballot its members.’
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