Air Canada seems to be having labour issues, and was facing a strike from it’s 6,800 flight attendants.

This has been halted due to a “procedural move” by the Canadian Labour minister Lisa Raitt that prevents the crew from legally going on strike.

The strike action has been referred up to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to determine if a strike disrupting Air Canadas flights would “threaten public health and safety.”

The strike action was due to commence on Thursday.

Canadian Law being the complex beast it is, states that the flight attendants will not be able to strike until the CIRB makes a determination on the matter. Time-spans are unknown, with some decisions taking up to 60 days to clear.

For Air Canada, it’s business as usual, with flights continuing, leaving the Unions, Air Canada and the rank and file workers to work out what to do next, and how to proceed forward – subject to the CIRB’s decisions.

If you’re planning to fly to Greece on the 5th October… here’s a hint – start planning alterntives as Greek ATC is due to go out on strike that day.

Aegean Airlines has already killed their entire programme of flying on the 5th October http://en.aegeanair.com/all-about-us/press-office/press-releases/press-release/?prid=324, whilst Olympic has not made an annoucement yet. EasyJet has posted it’s thoughts at http://easyjet.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3970/~/current-travel-status

If the strike goes ahead expect chaos and start replanning NOW.

Like an old couple, British Airways and Unite are heading back to the courts to get another part of the dispute settled. This time Unite is taking BA to court

Unite are claiming that it was not consulted properly over the changes that were imposed on its workers – including crew reductions on Long Haul, and the pay freeze.

BA argues it needs to cut losses and claims it was not obliged to consult as “the changes do not alter contractual terms and conditions for individual crew members”.

Let the bunfighting continue!

Well it’s begun. Unite has commenced the ballot on possible strike action.  The ballot that runs from now (25/01) until 22nd February, with the first action possible from 1st March.

Unite reiterates it will not call action over Easter – trying to buy the public off with a sympathy “We’re hitting businessmen, Willie Walsh and not families” line.

Unite is also angry over the plans to replace their staff with other recruited staff (either internally or via leasing), citing it, would put passengers’ lives at risk.

Unless Unite and BA can bang heads together, sort themselves out so the company can survive, this is really going to drag on….

British Airways seems to have ratcheted up its position, by issuing a threat that ID90′s (used for standby travel which gives an industry discount of 90%) are to go for striking workers, and in addition, the quality of crew hotels are now up for review.

Unite describe the move as “shocking”, “another act of provocation” and “petty’.

It should be noted that the ID90′s and other travel perks are NOT part of the standard BA contracts – and thus can be withdrawn as a disciplinary measure. For those BA crew members who commute from far and flung places – this could be very expensive in the long run if their benefits are withdrawn and they’re travelling on ID90′s

Let the games continue – this is get very nasty very quickly.

Ok, I’ve skipped the announcement that Unite is once again going to ballot it’s Cabin Crew workers, and that BA are going to try to break the strike by wetleasing aircraft and crew, and it is actually opening up cabin crew training up to other qualified staff to the point where Unite has made one hell of a concession

That it will NOT strike over the Easter period

Quote Unite:

“families to be able to plan their travel arrangements in confidence”.

That’s fine, except if you’re planning to travel between 1st March and Easter, you might run into problems if there is a decision to strike.

Simply put, this is public appeasement to make up for the planned Christmas debacle, whilst trying to bring the public on their side.

The new strike ballot among cabin crew will open on 25 January and conclude on 22 February – so March can look dicey – unless Unite and BA butt heads together to get a positive outcome.

We can but hope.

It seems it’s time for another strike, this time with Irish ATC walking out over modernisation and working practices after 15 controllers were suspended for failing to cooperate with the new technology implemented.

Shannon, Cork and Dublin are affected by this action which starts from 14:00 to 18:00 (20/01).

Aer Lingus has cancelled 64 flights, RyanAir cancelling 48  flights and a variety of other airlines hit during various times.

If you’re travelling today and heading to Ireland, or anywhere in Irish Airspace, expect delays, diversions and cancellations as aircraft are rerouted as needed – and if your airline has not contacted you – now would be a good time to contact them….

Well it seems BA and Unite are heading back to the table to try and avoid the oncoming storm of more strike action.

Unite has agreed to the talks with BA in an attempt to find a settlement over jobs, pay and conditions.  As you remember, on the run-up to Christmas,  strike action was around the corner until it was deemed illegal by the courts. In response, Unite went into full militancy mode and the promise of a second ballot.

Unite;s joint general secretaries Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley comment.

“We have said all along that this dispute could only be resolved through negotiation, rather than imposition or litigation, so we are delighted to be joining BA management in talks at the TUC,” 

“We will be approaching those talks in a constructive spirit, seeking to find a settlement that meets the real concerns of BA’s skilled, loyal and professional cabin crew, while keeping the airline flying.”

Well, they say it’s good to talk.  Lets hope for all concerned this has a positive outcome with no further action – least of all more action will damage both the company and remaining sympathy to the staff.

Unite has signalled it wishes to reballot it’s members for another attempt at strike action.

Whilst not unexpected, personally – I would still be considering other carriers over the next few weeks. For any strike to happen there much be a consultation period, ballot and actual notice to the company.

That puts it +4 weeks away, and pushing it into February.

For that matter, if you rebooked and are thinking of switching back to BA, there is still the strong possibility that a lot of cabin crew could phone in “sick” throwing the schedulde in the air.

Lets be careful out there!

I repeat in large letters

THE BRITISH AIRWAYS CREW STRIKE HAS BEEN RULED ILLEGAL AND THUS CANNOT GO AHEAD.

Unite are annoyed, and is planning on holding fresh ballots. BA on the other hand is bedding into its positition and are pressuring Unite to “understand it’s position”

More follows.