The BA cabin crew have shown extraordinary spirit in the face of bullying management and a hostile press.  Their two resounding YES votes for striking show that they determined to force BA to negotiate. The cabin crew are out again on 27 March. Here an NUJ Left member reports on the first Saturday of the strike.

Hundreds of striking BA cabin crew and their supporters were in high spirits at dispute HQ – just across the road from London’s massive Heathrow airport.
Scores of pickets were on duty from 6am and persistent rain failed to dampen the resolve of the Unite union members who are fighting to save jobs and their hard won terms and conditions.
Rows of BA planes parked up inside the airport were a clear indicator that the stoppage was biting.

Solidarity

The strikers – who have been under attack from politicians and the bosses’ media – were pleasantly surprised by the level of support.
Other airport workers joined the picket and passing bus and lorry drivers tooted their horns in support of the pickets.
Local fire fighters offered shelter to strikers, and BA workers not involved in the dispute sneaked out hot drinks to their picketing colleagues.
Supporters from other Unite branches, sister unions and socialist and environmental campaigns swelled the numbers for a rally which was addressed by local Labour MP John McDonnell and Unite general secretary candidate Len McCluskey.
Jerry Hicks, who also plans to contest the union leadership election, was at the rally.
The anger of the crowd was focused on BA boss Willie Walsh who earns £750,000 a year, plus bonuses, but is out to cut the pay and conditions of low paid airline workers.
“Willie! Willie! Willie! Out! Out! Out!” was the chant of choice.
The cabin crew are on strike tomorrow (Sunday) and Monday. They are out again next weekend.

Support

The strikers were clearly buoyed up by the support of other trades unionists. You can text messages straight to the picket line on 07850 905787.
Visit the strike HQ at Bedfont F.C., The Orchard, Hatton Road, Bedfont, Middlesex, TW14 8QT. There’s free tea and cake, a bar, and a big screen to watch the news from elsewhere.
Send the strikers support, or ask for a speaker, at office@bassa.co.uk

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Tags: industrial action, strike