Unite critical of British Airways contract changes

Date: 8/10/2009

Planned changes to the contracts of 14,000 workers at British Airways (BA) have been criticised by union Unite.

Earlier this week BA announced that it would be cutting 1,700 full-time cabin crew at Heathrow airport and making contractual changes to other staff contracts.

Steve Turner, national officer for aviation at Unite, said that the plans were a "disgraceful attempt to intimidate workers".

"BA's continued determination to mimic the no-frills end of the industry will cause despair for customers who pay a premium price and expect a premium service in return," he said.

Mr Turner added that cabin crew were "the heart and soul of that premium service" and many customers "dearly valued" their work.

Unite warned that there could be a serious and drawn out conflict between the airline and its workforce if it went forward with the changes.

Earlier this month BA announced its best ever September punctuality performance, with more than 87 per cent of flights leaving on time or early.