Great Britain: new strike subject to a vote by British Airways’ cabin crew

Unite is determined to make employees’ voice heard. The vote for a possible strike will last for a month, and the said strike could start on March 1, 2010. in spite of negotiations between Unite and the airline’s management since January 6 – with the Trades Union Congress as an umpire – the union’s leaders decided to have another vote. In December 2009, 92% of workers voted in favor of the strike, but it was nullified by the supreme court because of irregularities (see our dispatch No. 091162). Indeed, almost 1,000 employees voted as they accepted voluntary layoffs and were therefore not entitled to do so. The second vote was postponed because Unite had to update its member database. In a letter sent to its members, Steve Turner and Brian Boyd, Unite officials, explained: “We are sure that you appreciate the importance of ensuring our data is as accurate as is possible. Despite the decision of the High Court in December, we are absolutely committed and determined to ensuring your voice is heard through this ballot."
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to update its member database. In a letter sent to its members, Steve Turner and Brian Boyd, Unite officials, explained: “We are sure that you appreciate the importance of ensuring our data is as accurate as is possible. Despite the decision of the High Court in December, we are absolutely committed and determined to ensuring your voice is heard through this ballot.”

Causes of conflict. The conflict between British Airways’ management and cabin crew originated in the summer 2009 when the airlin

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