Unite consults BA members as Heathrow deal comes through
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Unite is set to consult all British Airways members in a potential widened threat to the airline. Unite’s Joint General Secretary Tony Woodley said that the union would discuss BA’s handling of the on-going cabin crew dispute with groundstaff, including check-in staff and baggage handlers. “If trade unionism is smashed among cabin crew, then we can be sure these methods will be extended to other groups of unionised BA employees,” explained Wooley. Unite also hopes that the increased threat would put more pressure on BA to offer more concessions. However, BA announced that its customer service staff at Heathrow have voted to accept new working practices with the unions Unite and GMB. Under the deal there will be a reduction of 500 staff by March 2011, including 300 voluntary redundancies and new opportunities for flexible working options, such as part-time contracts. “This is another important step towards securing permanent structural change and the long term future of the company,” said BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh. “I’m delighted that our colleagues have voted in favour of the productivity deal that offers them future job security and will provide a more flexible, cost-efficient and customer focused ground operation at Heathrow.” The airline also recently reached an agreement with trade unions regarding pension plans.
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