Unite launches attack on BA training volunteer cabin crew
Unite the union has started re-balloting its BA cabin crew members on a proposed strike.
A walkout had been planned for December, but the ballot was ruled illegal by a high court judge.
The new vote opened today (January 25) and will close on February 22.
In preparation for any strike action, BA plans to train some of its non-cabin crew staff as volunteer cabin crew, as ABTN was the first to report.
BA has not released any information about the training process, but said: "Employees who've volunteered wil receive the same amount of training in safety procedures as current crew do."
The airline has come under attack from Unite, for using "vastly inexperienced volunteers".
Len McCluskey, Unite assistant general secretary, said: "Not only does this show contempt for the crew, what message does it send to passengers who have paid to be cared for by a premier airline?
"Airlines are run by teams, but this cynical ploy will destroy industrial relations at the company for years to come and trash this airline's brand along the way."
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