Media warnings of widespread strike disruption to passengers in January proved utterly wrong, with both the action by BAA staff over pensions and Virgin Atlantic cabin crew over pay called off.
The outcomes were predictable despite the headlines forecasting travel misery. Strike votes in the UK typically lead to last-minute talks to settle disputes, at least at the moment. Only about one in eight ballots in favour of a strike actually lead to a walk out, as Travel Weekly pointed out before Christmas. That may change if Gordon Brown’s public sector pay freeze goes the way of previous Government curbs on pay rises, since these almost always lead to industrial action eventually.
However, the two disputes ended the same way for very different reasons. Resolution of the BAA dispute involved the airport operator giving way, while at Virgin Atlantic the union bowed to Richard Branson.
BAA workers were in a strong position challenging an employer that is battered in the media, unpopular with its customers and the subject of an inquiry by the Competition Commission. At the same time BAA remains hugely profitable and, whatever contingency plans it came up with, a strike by firefighters would have paralysed its airports. So it conceded and the unions have succeeded in doing what few other UK workforces have managed in recent years and resisted the closure of a final-salary pension scheme.
The Virgin Atlantic settlement is entirely different. The crew have won nothing. It’s hard to know what impact a strike would have had, but similar action by BA cabin crew has proved effective. Branson’s letter to crew suggesting they get another job may have cracked the resolve of some. Yet it is worth noting the crew rejected Virgin’s pay offer despite this being recommended by union officials. They must have been fed up to do that and are unlikely to feel good about the outcome, leaving a residue of bitterness not usually associated with the airline.
Comments (48)
Iˇ¦ve recently started a website, the information you offer on this website has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
Posted by heradesign | September 22, 2011 12:50 PM
Posted on September 22, 2011 12:50
Hiya, I am really glad I have found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish just about gossips and internet and this is really irritating. A good website with interesting content, that is what I need. Thanks for keeping this web-site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can't find it.
Posted by heradesign | September 26, 2011 12:28 PM
Posted on September 26, 2011 12:28
Great write-up, Iˇ¦m normal visitor of oneˇ¦s site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
Posted by przyciemnianie szyb | September 27, 2011 7:01 AM
Posted on September 27, 2011 07:01
I have recently started a site, the information you offer on this website has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.
Posted by strony internetowe RzeszĂłw | October 11, 2011 9:56 AM
Posted on October 11, 2011 09:56
Hands down, Apple's app store wins by a mile. It's a huge selection of all sorts of apps vs a rather sad selection of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games, but I'm not sure I'd want to bet on the future if this aspect is important to you. The iPod is a much better choice in that case.
Posted by strony www RzeszĂłw | October 24, 2011 7:12 AM
Posted on October 24, 2011 07:12
Wow! This could be one particular of the most helpful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Fantastic. I am also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your hard work.
Posted by domy RzeszĂłw | November 3, 2011 6:37 AM
Posted on November 3, 2011 06:37
I loved the post! really enjoyed it, If you need a hand with your SEO just let me know
Posted by seo link building | November 13, 2011 3:39 PM
Posted on November 13, 2011 15:39
Hiya, I'm really glad I've found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish just about gossips and web and this is actually frustrating. A good blog with interesting content, that is what I need. Thank you for keeping this website, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can't find it.
Posted by gzymsy | November 17, 2011 11:51 AM
Posted on November 17, 2011 11:51
Great post really enjoyed it mate :) If you ever need some help with SEO let me know
Posted by edu backlinks | November 23, 2011 2:56 PM
Posted on November 23, 2011 14:56
I loved the post! really enjoyed it, If you need a hand with your SEO just let me know
Posted by random posts | November 27, 2011 5:55 PM
Posted on November 27, 2011 17:55
I loved the post! really enjoyed it, If you need a hand with your SEO just let me know
Posted by random ideas | November 27, 2011 5:56 PM
Posted on November 27, 2011 17:56
I was just seeking this information for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your website. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative sites in top of the list. Usually the top web sites are full of garbage.
Posted by strony www RzeszĂłw | December 8, 2011 10:14 AM
Posted on December 8, 2011 10:14
I would like to thank you for the efforts you've put in writing this website. I'm hoping the same high-grade web site post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing skills has inspired me to get my own blog now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a great example of it.
Posted by strony internetowe RzeszĂłw | December 12, 2011 9:27 AM
Posted on December 12, 2011 09:27
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thank you, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?
Posted by auto szyby | December 15, 2011 12:32 PM
Posted on December 15, 2011 12:32
Iˇ¦ve recently started a site, the information you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
Posted by tuning auta | December 15, 2011 12:45 PM
Posted on December 15, 2011 12:45
I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys Iˇ¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site :)
Posted by strony internetowe RzeszĂłw | December 16, 2011 6:33 AM
Posted on December 16, 2011 06:33
I havenˇ¦t checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend :)
Posted by strony www RzeszĂłw | December 19, 2011 10:16 AM
Posted on December 19, 2011 10:16
Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your web site is so cool. I'm impressed by the details that youˇ¦ve on this blog. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched everywhere and just could not come across. What a perfect web-site.
Posted by strony www RzeszĂłw | December 19, 2011 10:31 AM
Posted on December 19, 2011 10:31
This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like 'Mixview' that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you're listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of "neighbors" will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune "Social" is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
Posted by strony internetowe RzeszĂłw | December 22, 2011 10:42 AM
Posted on December 22, 2011 10:42
The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod's. It works well, but isn't as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that's not an issue, but if you're planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod's larger screen and better browser may be important.
Posted by sport Rzeszów | January 2, 2012 11:52 AM
Posted on January 2, 2012 11:52
Great write-up, I am regular visitor of oneˇ¦s website, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
Posted by strony www RzeszĂłw | January 19, 2012 9:53 AM
Posted on January 19, 2012 09:53
The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod's. It works well, but isn't as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that's not an issue, but if you're planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod's larger screen and better browser may be important.
Posted by strony internetowe RzeszĂłw | January 19, 2012 10:14 AM
Posted on January 19, 2012 10:14
Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on.
Posted by calculatoare second | January 29, 2012 5:52 PM
Posted on January 29, 2012 17:52
Hi my friend! I want to say that this article is awesome, great written and include approximately all important infos. I would like to look extra posts like this .
Posted by biznes w sieci | February 1, 2012 8:30 AM
Posted on February 1, 2012 08:30
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
Posted by Fulk | February 19, 2012 1:02 PM
Posted on February 19, 2012 13:02
Hello. splendid job. I did not imagine this. This is a fantastic story. Thanks!
Posted by Monty Kruse | February 24, 2012 12:59 PM
Posted on February 24, 2012 12:59
Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
Posted by Tom | March 1, 2012 6:08 PM
Posted on March 1, 2012 18:08
you have a great blog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?
Posted by Kriner | March 3, 2012 7:09 AM
Posted on March 3, 2012 07:09
There are some interesting points in time in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as well
Posted by Bob | March 3, 2012 12:39 PM
Posted on March 3, 2012 12:39
Wonderful article and I am really very helpful thank you
Posted by Thomas | March 7, 2012 7:35 PM
Posted on March 7, 2012 19:35
X1jTRv Thanks a lot for the post.Much thanks again. Want more.
Posted by Discount OEM Software | March 8, 2012 8:21 AM
Posted on March 8, 2012 08:21
thats article was nice , Ihope thats well help me
Posted by dora games | March 8, 2012 8:27 PM
Posted on March 8, 2012 20:27
I truly wanted to develop a brief note to express gratitude to you for all of the lovely tricks you are writing on this website. My time-consuming internet look up has at the end been rewarded with useful insight to share with my colleagues. I 'd admit that many of us website visitors actually are undoubtedly blessed to live in a fantastic site with so many brilliant individuals with good plans. I feel somewhat fortunate to have discovered your website page and look forward to many more fabulous moments reading here. Thanks again for everything.
Posted by Diane Bramlette | March 12, 2012 7:57 AM
Posted on March 12, 2012 07:57
Excellent post
Posted by Cheap Calls to India | March 19, 2012 9:37 PM
Posted on March 19, 2012 21:37
You can certainly see your skills in the work you write
Posted by Call Saudi Arabia mobile | March 21, 2012 1:40 AM
Posted on March 21, 2012 01:40
9cvFmg Fantastic article post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Posted by oem software | March 30, 2012 3:45 PM
Posted on March 30, 2012 15:45
fSsc06 I really like and appreciate your blog.Thanks Again. Great.
Posted by Motivation to lose weight | April 8, 2012 9:26 AM
Posted on April 8, 2012 09:26
This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like 'Mixview' that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you're listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of "neighbors" will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune "Social" is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
Posted by SeoPressor | April 19, 2012 6:59 AM
Posted on April 19, 2012 06:59
This is my first visit here, but I will be back soon, because I really like the way you are writing, it is so simple and honest
Posted by Dannie Sturkey | April 21, 2012 9:01 AM
Posted on April 21, 2012 09:01
I really like the look of your website. I lately built mine and I was looking for some style concepts and you gave me a couple of. May possibly I ask you whether you developed the site by youself?
Posted by almanya sesli sohbet | April 23, 2012 5:12 PM
Posted on April 23, 2012 17:12
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I to find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I’m hoping to offer one thing back and aid others like you helped me
Posted by almanya sesli chat | April 23, 2012 7:08 PM
Posted on April 23, 2012 19:08
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
Posted by Andrew | April 29, 2012 3:41 AM
Posted on April 29, 2012 03:41
ZO4sog Thanks-a-mundo for the blog post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
Posted by buy oem software | May 2, 2012 7:22 PM
Posted on May 2, 2012 19:22
LaZZfh Enjoyed every bit of your post.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
Posted by buy oem software | May 3, 2012 2:08 AM
Posted on May 3, 2012 02:08
3yHoeK Really appreciate you sharing this blog article.Really thank you!
Posted by serivce | May 15, 2012 10:45 PM
Posted on May 15, 2012 22:45
Sorry for the huge review, but I'm really loving the new Zune, and hope this, as well as the excellent reviews some other people have written, will help you decide if it's the right choice for you.
Posted by SeoPressor Review | May 16, 2012 5:30 AM
Posted on May 16, 2012 05:30
DSZsLJ Appreciate you sharing, great blog.Really thank you!
Posted by bookmarking | May 17, 2012 3:26 AM
Posted on May 17, 2012 03:26
Thanks for this post. I definitely agree with what you are saying. I have been talking about this subject mortgage bankers long island
Posted by fitness site | May 17, 2012 4:44 PM
Posted on May 17, 2012 16:44