The British Airways Christmas strike couldn't come at a worse time. The BA cabin crew strike could put up to one million air travelers on hold, and thousands of crew members out of work. What if you already have a flight booked on British Airways? There may be refunds, but that has yet to be determined.
The Unite union members at British Airways have voted to take strike action. The industrial action will take place over 12 days from 22 December to 2 January. This is the first walkout by British Airways cabin crew since 1997. The action could affect up to one million air travelers.
In November, British Airways cut the number of cabin crew from 15 to 14. They also introduced a two-year pay freeze, and introduced new contracts which were unanimously rejected at a mass meeting in July. The Unite union claims they should have been consulted before the changes were contractual and set in stone, at which point British Airways says it was not obliged to consult with the union. Cabin crew voted by nine to one in favor of the strike action.
Why so many changes? With low cost and budget airlines attracting more and more air travelers, British Airways claims their business travel is down. British Airways is attempting to restructure and reduce cost. The airline's chief executive Willie Walsh said that this had been the "most difficult year in the history of the aviation industry". "Operational changes at British Airways are absolutely necessary to improve the performance of the business," he said.
BA is already looking into other cost cutting measures like charging for extra luggage and seat selection, cutting back on food served in-flight, and short distance flights. At least it's a start.
What if you already booked a British Airways flight? If you booked a flight and it's canceled, you may get compensated. However, they may just try to argue the strike is beyond its control. Because it's the busy holiday season, they may try to find you a flight on another carrier, to another destination, or at another time. If none of these are appropriate, a refund could be given. Check here for more information, and a list of British Airways contact numbers.
The BA cabin crew strike is bad for holiday air travelers, bad for the economy, and bad for employees. The British Airways holiday strike could mean a loss of up to 4900 jobs by early spring 2010.
Consider These Great Alternative Travel Choices:
United Airlines Announces Cheap Holiday Flights From $94 Round Trip
Virgin America Offers Cheap Holiday Flights for $39 - $99
El Al Airline Serves Hanukkah Recipes To Attract Jewish Travelers
See also, British Airways Strike Possible During Christmas Season.
Source: news.bbc.co.uk
Written by Donna Diegel
HULIQ.com
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