ETF SUPPORTS STRIKE OF BRITISH AIRWAYS CABIN CREW

 

(ETF) The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) expresses its support with the announced strike of the UNITE British Airways (BA) cabin crew, starting on 20 March. The negotiations about the working conditions, with reference to the company’s extensive cost reductions, are taking place in a tense climate due to the destructive position of BA management. On Friday 12 March the company withdrew their formal offer that might have meant a breakthrough in the negotiations. Their plans to deploy a strike-breaking crew who is trained on very short notice and won’t offer the same expertise as professional cabin crew, can put the safety of passengers at risk.

 

“The recent actions of the British Airways management damage the necessary trust to negotiate in a constructive atmosphere”, François Ballestero, the ETF Political Secretary of Civil Aviation said. The strike of the cabin crew is therefore more than justified and receives the full support of the ETF. “The company’s intention to use a strike-breaking crew, who can not deliver the necessary expertise in case an incident occurs, puts the safety of passengers in danger and can set a dangerous precedent for tolerating lower standards,” François Ballestero continues.

 

The ETF acknowledges that, due to the current economic conditions, a change to establish a competitive cost base is needed in order to secure the company’s future. François Ballestero: “But an open dialogue between the company and the trade unions and the need of a constructive approach is indispensable in order to achieve that goal.”

The ETF reiterates its support and solidarity with its members in their fight for safeguarding their jobs, working conditions and the safety for the passengers!