MP’s which are part of the Commons Transport Committee have called on British Airways (BA/BAW) to put their planned redundancies on hold after the Governments Job Retention scheme was extended.
International Airlines Group (IAG), which owns British Airways, recently announced it would need to cut around 12,000 jobs whith British Airways staff making up the bulk of that.
More worryingly for staff though was the fact that British Airways plan to change terms and conditions for the staff that remain with many having changes to pay and grievance procedures.
Huw Merriman MP and Chris Loder MP are amongst those calling on British Airways not to make the job cuts whilst government support is available to cover staff wages up to 80%, now until October.
The Conservative MP for Bexhill and Battle said on twitter “With furlough extended, #BA must put redundancy and restructuring back in the hold where it belongs.” which was backed by Chris Loder MP who also called on BA to put the measures “back in the hold”.
Outgoing IAG CEO Willie Wales gave evidence to Commons Transport Committee earlier this week where he faced questions sent in by British Airways staff including Cabin Crew and Ground Staff.
During that committee, Mr Walsh was asked about the changes to terms and conditions changes which he said were as a direct result of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Huw Merriman asked that if the airline bounced back next year, would he reinstate the cuts to the terms and conditions being made.
Mr Walsh said the cuts were subject to consultation and he wouldn’t provide a running commentary on what will happen with the elected union bodies. He added that they are entering the consultations in good faith.
He called the current situation “the greatest crisis we have ever faced” but added that he expected British Airways to listen to all the suggestions from the Union bodies and as soon as possible.
You can watch Mr Walsh give evidence to the Commons Transport Committee in full here