BA cabin crew lobby MPs

Around 100 striking cabin crew working for British Airways’ mixed fleet are set to lobby parliament today (February 7) and seek MPs’ support in their ongoing battle against poverty pay at the airline.

The members of Unite will be holding a photo opportunity outside the Houses of Parliament on College Green, Westminster with a giant ‘BA low pay no way’ banner at 1.30pm.

The photo opportunity will follow a briefing for MPs from 12pm to 1pm in committee room 10 of the House of Commons. Chaired by Lisa Nandy MP, speakers include members of British Airways mixed fleet cabin crew and Unite national officer Oliver Richardson.

Tomorrow’s lobby coincides with the final day of a three day strike which will be followed by a further three days of strike action running from Thursday 9 to Saturday February 11.

As part of the dispute British Airways mixed fleet cabin crew have previously staged two stoppages, before this week’s strongly supported strike action which started on Sunday.

The action has led to the cancellation of flights and the airline chartering, or ‘wet leasing’, aircraft from other airlines such as Titan Airways, Vueling and Thomson Airways to cover striking cabin crew during the stoppages.

“A number of MPs have already voiced their concern in parliament about the behaviour of British Airways and its treatment of mixed fleet cabin crew,” Unite national officer Oliver Richardson said.

“From threats to the withdrawal of bonuses and travel allowances, the lengths that British Airways is going to, to defend some of the lowest pay rates in the industry is shameful.

“With support for the strike remaining strong, we would urge MPs to come along to the lobby and hear first-hand about the affect low pay is having on mixed fleet cabin crew and back their campaign against poverty pay,” he added.

“We would also urge British Airways to wake up to the determination of our members, who contribute massively to the billions of pounds in profits the airline generates, and get around the negotiating table to resolve the dispute.”

Since 2010 all British Airways new cabin crew employees join what is called ‘mixed fleet’, where despite promises that pay would be 10 per cent above the market rate, basic pay starts at just £12,192 with £3 an hour flying pay. Unite estimates that on average ‘mixed fleet’ cabin crew earn £16,000, including allowances, a year.

Stay tuned for more coverage on UNITElive after today’s lobby.