Walsh and Woodley show as another BA strike looms

The origins of the original strike was about BA's need to reduce its operating costs following a £400m loss in 2009. A pay freeze for 2 years, a one member of staff reduction from 15 to 14 and a lower salary for new recriuts was the proposal.

Willie Walsh said that anyone striking would loose their travel perks that were at the discretion of the company and not part of the contract and was a reward for working loyally for the company. The Union leader Woodley argued that this was nothing short of blackmail.

True to his word the perks have been withdrawn for those staff who went on strike although BA have now agreed to re-instate the perks on the same terms of a new recruit that lacks the accumulation benefit.

Given the losses this company is making from the outside all parties appear to be playing a dangerous game and Virgin and the other airlines can only hope this farce continues.