Unite cabin crew members at British Airways are currently being balloted for a second time in a long running dispute over their jobs and working conditions.

During this dispute, the cabin crew and their case have been seriously misrepresented, which is why Unite has produced a short film to put the voice of staff across.

This film seeks to present the real issues behind this dispute – the low wages of many, the stress of working under imposition and the distress caused to a dedicated workforce when they are hindered in providing a professional service.

Contrary to the picture painted in parts of the media, BA cabin crew are not militant, over-paid or underworked, as this film shows.  They voted overwhelmingly for industrial action in December because they care about the future of the airline. And they are prepared to make sacrifices.  Nearly a year ago, in April 2009, Unite offered the company a way to save £100million through changes and a two-year pay freeze. Instead of working with their own employees to find a way forward, BA imposed changes to the crew’s contracts of employment.

A management that governs by imposition is not a management that will prosper.  And for our members across the UK, a very dangerous precedent is being set if BA can get away with imposing changes to the terms and conditions of its cabin crew.

BA is our national flag carrier.  We expect the best from it as an employer just as it must provide the best service to its passengers.  As we continue to press BA to make every effort to resolve this dispute, we urge you to take a few moments to listen to our members speak, and discover for yourself the truth behind their concerns.

Derek Simpson

Tony Woodley

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