Who gives a darn about travellers when Unions and Bosses clash.
An opinion from a traveller, a customer of British Airports and a travel site operator.
Being a fully paid-up lifetime member of the 'sitting on the fence' class,
I have rarely taken sides in an argument about a subject that I don't have
inside information about. It must be the effect of my advancing years because we now
hear of a conflict that has me so incensed that I have fallen - nay - jumped down from my
comfortable perch to give an opinion.
As of this date, 12th August, 2010, British Airports Authority management and UNITE, the union
representing some of BAA's key airport workers, have failed to resolve their differences. I don't know too much about the details of
each side - frankly I don't care - what I do care about is the effect the closure of 6 of
Britain's airports will have on thousands of travellers and the companies who transport them.
Each affected passenger will suffer at least a personal inconvenience but in many cases a
personal tragedy, particularly if the
strike tactics are aimed at the August bank holiday.
300,000 passengers a day pass through
BAA operated airports, which makes it inconcievable that there is no-one amongst those numbers
that has to get somewhere to be with a bereaved or to visit a close family member or friend
suffering a loss. Long awaited holidays; weddings; business trips that companies and their
employees depend on for their jobs. How does that sit with those that instigated a vote or
voted for strike action?
By the way, only 2 out of 3 UNITE members of the 49% that bothered to use the ballot, voted for strike action.
That figures out at far less than half of its membership, so, in fact, a majority either did not want to strike or couldn't care less.
And what about the Management of this company that so many of us rely upon to see us safely and
in good time onto our aircraft? Okay, the global downturn in finance, the volcanic ash and British
Airways continuing uneasiness with its cabin crews hit BAA's revenues badly. Having said that
business has seen a modest improvement in the last few months. All the more reason to settle
this dispute quickly - so clear the air, BAA, and give a little. You may get more in return.
Today we saw the collapse of yet another in a long line of Tour Operators - Sun4U, apparently a victim of the ash cloud. This prolonged hazard has affected many companies involved in
the air transport industry - they don't need their airports closing around their ears.
A little tale to finish.
During the 1970's I worked as an engineer for a company providing office machinery. I was sent to
a factory to remove our equipment. No names but this factory, a part of a group, had employed a good number of workers producing aircraft parts.
I arrived to find the place deserted but for a doleful security man. He explained that up until a few weeks before the factory had been busy and very productive. A strike, over I don't know what,
closed the place down. Within weeks the management, despite issuing warnings as to the consequences of the strike, moved all production out of the place and never returned. All of the employees lost their jobs.
Surely, Guys, there must be a better way to resolve feelings of frustration and diversity in goal
seeking in the work place than taking away from us, as a bully might do, the very essential services most of us have come to rely on.
TALK TALK don't WALK WALK.
Author: Brian Thomas, based in the U.K. is webmaster to BsureTravel.com - 'book your hotel with confidence' who also writes travel articles and novels.
See also Brians Writings, Paintings, Novels and Greetings Cards.
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