Unite anger as BA suspends crew member for Christmas collection
23-Nov-2010 The suspension by British Airways of a long-standing member of cabin crew has prompted Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley to write to the company to express his "dismay and anger" over the airline's conduct.
The crew member has been suspended for collecting contributions towards the cost of Christmas for colleagues suspended or sacked by BA as a result of this year's strike action.
In a letter to Tony McCarthy, BA's director of employee relations, Tony Woodley writes: "Further to our conversation this morning I am writing to formally register my dismay and anger at the suspension yesterday of Andrea Molton.
"It beggars belief that at this sensitive moment in industrial relations at British Airways, management should seek to take disciplinary action against a long-standing employee for collecting funds for Christmas gifts for sacked or suspended cabin crew colleagues. This meets nobody's definition of "gross industrial misconduct" and has led to a wave of outrage among BA cabin crew.
"This suspension exemplifies the bullying and vindictive attitude rife among some BA managers which I have repeatedly told you represents a major barrier to any settlement of our current dispute. I am urging you to intervene to lift Andrea's suspension immediately, failing which the consequences will rest entirely with management."
Unite is seeking urgent talks with the company over the steps it needs to take to resolve the 14 month dispute with the cabin crew.