BAA strikes, anyone else worried?

[Symphony]

I'm getting a bit worried about this. Luckily our Orlando flights are from Gatwick which aren't going to be involved but we do have to fly from Glasgow the night before (31st of August).

Anyone else worried?

 

[kristieuk]

You poor thing, all the planning in the world and then something out of your control threatens to scupper everything. Don't panic just yet, I don't think anything has been confirmed - whether there will be strikes at all, let alone the dates. But at least it is that leg of your journey, perhaps you could look at alternative travel arrangements such as driving / train so you have a backup plan in place?

I really hope that no-one is affected by yet another obstacle to their well sweated over travel plans

 

[2Tiggies]

BAA - the strikes achieve little except to rouse public outrage and cause passengers to incur excessive costs. I wish they would grow up about it. Honestly, enough is enough. Clearly negotiations are not being as effective as they could.

 

[Symphony]

You poor thing, all the planning in the world and then something out of your control threatens to scupper everything. Don't panic just yet, I don't think anything has been confirmed - whether there will be strikes at all, let alone the dates. But at least it is that leg of your journey, perhaps you could look at alternative travel arrangements such as driving / train so you have a backup plan in place?

I really hope that no-one is affected by yet another obstacle to their well sweated over travel plans

I'm hoping it'll all blow over and nothing will happen. I just keep telling myself 'they have to get us to Gatwick' and if worse comes to worse we can drive but of course we'd rather not have to, 9 and 1/2 hour drive at least from our door to the airport and that is the quickest option. I'm just a worrier by nature, I'm sure it'll be fine

BAA - the strikes achieve little except to rouse public outrage and cause passengers to incur excessive costs. I wish they would grow up about it. Honestly, enough is enough. Clearly negotiations are not being as effective as they could.

it certainly does rouse public outrage, it annoys me that families who save for their holiday all year (longer in some cases) could lose it over a strike

 

[kristieuk]

BAA - the strikes achieve little except to rouse public outrage and cause passengers to incur excessive costs. I wish they would grow up about it. Honestly, enough is enough. Clearly negotiations are not being as effective as they could.

I am honestly not trying to provoke any kind of political argument, but I completely agree with you. It's yet another Unite union escapade. I went on to their website a while back as I was intrigued about the reasons underlying the BA cabin staff strikes and I was shocked at the type of language used on the site, it was so bullying and provocative, and actually made them sound very unreasonable. I really feel for those affected by all of these strikes, you work hard, save your money, and yet many can't enjoy the run up to their holiday because they are so worried their plans will be scuppered. These are difficult times for everyone, I haven't had a pay rise for 4 years but I accept that the company can't afford to give me one right now. I am thankful I have a job, and look forward to a day when things improve. It seems that some unions just encourage workers to throw down tools the minute they don't get exactly what they want

 

[zippy99]

I agree - having been made redundant last month - I have spent many a tearful day and sleepless night wondering whether we would even be able to go to Disney this year - as I could not bring myself to pay off my balance if I did not have a job. Fortunately, I have got a job now and we can go but it really annoys me to see people throwing their toys out of the pram like this - I have taken a £5k a year pay drop just to make sure I could get back into work, have our holiday and pay the bills. My husband also has not had a payrise for 3 years.

With so many people being made redundant and looking for work - strike action just leaves a bad flavour in my mouth - it is a slap in the face to all those who would give anything to get back into work.

 

[2Tiggies]

I am honestly not trying to provoke any kind of political argument, but I completely agree with you. It's yet another Unite union escapade. I went on to their website a while back as I was intrigued about the reasons underlying the BA cabin staff strikes and I was shocked at the type of language used on the site, it was so bullying and provocative, and actually made them sound very unreasonable. I really feel for those affected by all of these strikes, you work hard, save your money, and yet many can't enjoy the run up to their holiday because they are so worried their plans will be scuppered. These are difficult times for everyone, I haven't had a pay rise for 4 years but I accept that the company can't afford to give me one right now. I am thankful I have a job, and look forward to a day when things improve. It seems that some unions just encourage workers to throw down tools the minute they don't get exactly what they want

I don't blame the employees. As you say, they are put in a position where they have little or not choice but to do as everyone else is, whether they agree or not.

Zippy, have you started your new job yet?

 

[zippy99]

I start my new job on the 1st September which means I have the summer holidays off - effectively I am only out of work for three weeks. I am already saving over £120 a week in child care and petrol plus I can claim the contribution based job seekers allowance of £65 a week (after all that is what we pay national insurance for) so financially it has not been too bad.

Just excited to have the free time to plan now!

 

[2Tiggies]

I'm so glad it worked out for you. At least knowing that you have something definite means that you can enjoy this time, instead of worrying. Maybe you can have a celebration for your new job at Disney - a nice meal or show or something ...... or a wee spot of shopping

 

[j9000]

The Unite offices are round the back of Meadowhall shopping centre here in sheffield,
during the ba strikes there were makeshift 6 foot fences round the building.

on a note
they are striking because they want more than a 1.5% raise (which is above inflation) i would LOVE a raise, even a cost of living raise would be nice.

Even though the company i work for made millions in profit last year, the owners (another company) put a pay freeze in place for a second year running. with VAT increasing in january, its likley a pay freeze for a third year will be announced, (or when i find another job) im already paid poorly for what i do.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I am worried with you We fly from Heathrow this year because we are going to NY for a few days first. I will be absolutely gutted if we can't get there after planning it for 18 months. Any details on when the strikes will be held yet?

 

[starrysky]

Hi all

Must admitt its got me a little worried as we are due to fly out of Glasgow in october but i really hope it all over by then other wise i'm going to be a nervous wreck.


Fingers crossed it all gets sorted out soon for everyone involved.

 

[2Tiggies]

Hi all

Must admitt its got me a little worried as we are due to fly out of Glasgow in october but i really hope it all over by then other wise i'm going to be a nervous wreck.


Fingers crossed it all gets sorted out soon for everyone involved.

I'm also flying from Glasgow in October. No point worrying about it now. This is the stage I want to be enjoying my countdown. I have taken the standpoint that since I don't have anything confirmed to worry about now, I am not going to ruin my countdown by worrying.

 

[team harris]

I am worried with you We fly from Heathrow this year because we are going to NY for a few days first. I will be absolutely gutted if we can't get there after planning it for 18 months. Any details on when the strikes will be held yet?

We fly to NY from Heathrow next Sunday-22nd, my understanding is that Unite will not give dates of strikes until after further talks with BAA and ACAS. They have to give at least 7 days notice and as these talks begin on 16th, they can't strike until 23rd. I'm grateful that it looks like we will manage to get away, however we return 31st, landing at Heathrow on 1st and our eldest DS has to register at his chosen college by 3rd Sept or risk losing his selected courses for A-Level and unfortunately he has to do it in person. Not quite sure how to broach this with DS.

 

[NatalieMT]

I'm flying from Manchester so I'm thinking I don't have anything to worry about.

 

[kerstfan1]

i leave true gatwick and i heard thats not affectit bye a possible strike but i get back true manchester is that effect by a possible strike

 

[disney_princess_85]

i leave true gatwick and i heard thats not affectit bye a possible strike but i get back true manchester is that effect by a possible strike

No, Manchester will not be affected.

 

[starrysky]

I'm also flying from Glasgow in October. No point worrying about it now. This is the stage I want to be enjoying my countdown. I have taken the standpoint that since I don't have anything confirmed to worry about now, I am not going to ruin my countdown by worrying.

I know but I'm a worrier by nature. OH well all we can do is wait and see, still got one more ADR to get (Hacienda) so will focus all my energy on that. Thats if it opens on time still no real confirmation on dates yet.

 

[2Tiggies]

I know but I'm a worrier by nature. OH well all we can do is wait and see, still got one more ADR to get (Hacienda) so will focus all my energy on that. Thats if it opens on time still no real confirmation on dates yet.

I think they are bent on getting it open before the F&W Festival so even I suspect if they are running behind for any reason they will pull out all the stops.

 

[starrysky]

I think they are bent on getting it open before the F&W Festival so even I suspect if they are running behind for any reason they will pull out all the stops.

Well it won't be too bad if its not open, we have ADRs for San Angel inn already but we love mexican food so looking forward to the offerings from the new place.