LONDON – British Airways (BA) is attempting to “break” the Unite trade union in a battle with cabin crew that could erode workers’ rights across the UK, according to a joint declaration by 95 leading industrial relations academics.
In a letter to the Guardiannewspaper, professors from the London School of Economics and other universities accused BA of having a radical agenda in a dispute set to enter its second weekend of strikes.
“It is clear to us that the actions of the chief executive of British Airways, notwithstanding his protestations to the contrary, are explicable only by the desire to break the union which represents the cabin crew,” they wrote.
“What other possible interpretation can there be for Willie Walsh rejecting Unite’s acceptance of BA’s previous offer or indeed of his marshalling of resources, including those of bitter industry rival Ryanair, to undermine the action of his staff?”
BA mustered an effective auxiliary schedule during a three-day strike last weekend. This weekend, BA claims it will do even better by running seven out of 10 long-haul services from Heathrow. – (Guardian service)