British Airways agrees 13.1% pay rise for its 24,000 staff after months of negotiations - but pilots...
Employees at the airline are set to receive a salary increase spread across a duration of 18 months. The staff has reached a consensus on the pay rise after conducting a ballot, and as a bonus, they will also receive a lump sum payment of £1,000.
Date: August 4, 2023 Time of Publication: 5:04 PM in British Summer Time Time of Update: 6:57 PM in British Summer Time
British Airways has announced that it will be granting a salary increase of 13.1 percent to its entire staff of 24,000 employees. This comes as the result of several months of negotiation; however, it is important to note that pilots have not benefited from this agreement.
They will additionally receive a one-time payment of £1,000 after overwhelmingly accepting the wage agreement following a vote.
However, it is a setback for aviators who are not encompassed in the arrangement.
This will help alleviate concerns about a recurrence of the chaotic summer from the previous year, where vacationers and families posted images of being stranded in massive lines at London Heathrow.
The general secretary of the trade union Unite, Sharon Graham, stated that they had successfully undone the reductions made amidst the backdrop of the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak.
"She mentioned that this is a substantial salary boost that has been attained through the diligent efforts and commitment of the union's representatives and officials, accomplished after thorough and intricate discussions."
The reality that Unite has overturned the fire and rehire reductions while simultaneously obtaining a significant salary boost, emphasizes the union's unwavering dedication to the employment, wages, and terms of its members, resulting in advantageous financial outcomes for workers.
Just a month ago, British Airways managed to avert a strike at London Gatwick when Gatwick Ground Services (GGS), who are employed by the airline through a contract, happily accepted a fresh salary agreement.
Unite's secretary general, Sharon Graham, revealed that the agreement was reached following extensive discussions between representatives and officials. The labor union proudly announced that it successfully managed to undo the airline's reductions that were implemented in the previous year.
Last July, there were long lines in the security section of Terminal Three at London Heathrow as families embark on their much-awaited summer vacations.
Oliver Richardson, the national co-ordinating officer of Unite, also stated: 'The recent agreement between British Airways is further proof of how Unite is achieving substantial salary enhancements for employees across the aviation industry. Additionally, as the sector rebounds, we are also ensuring better terms and conditions for our members.'
Airline companies are determined to avoid a recurrence of the airport mayhem experienced in July of the previous year. During that time, families eagerly anticipating their vacations during the summer break had disappointingly cancelled flights, coupled with the inconvenience of long lines at Heathrow.
Travelers posted pictures of extensive queues stretching outside Terminal Two at Heathrow Airport during the early morning hours, while several others captured images of large crowds patiently awaiting their turn to pass through security at Terminal Three.
This occurred after the airport implemented a limit of 100,000 passengers departing each day, which was enforced until the beginning of September. As a result, additional flights had to be cancelled.
The choice was made following numerous travelers who experienced significant disturbances while traveling to and from the airport in recent months. These disruptions included enduring lengthy lines at the security checkpoints and experiencing breakdowns in the baggage system. Additionally, there have been pictures circulating in the past few weeks displaying escalating stacks of misplaced luggage.
The compensation agreement of British Airways follows the achievement of a record operating profit by the airline's parent company during the period of January to June.
The agreement occurs subsequent to the parent organization of British Airways revealing unprecedented earnings from their operations during the period from January to June.
International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) reported last month that its profit from operations in the first half of 2023 surged to 1.3 billion euros (£1.1 billion) compared to a loss of 446 million euros (£383 million) during the corresponding duration in the previous year.
The total income amounted to 13.6 billion euros (£11.7 billion), marking a growth of almost 45 percent compared to the previous year.
Ticket prices experienced an approximate 9.5 percent surge, while the cost of fuel rose by around 5.7 percent.
IAG also mentioned that its flights now have a capacity that is equivalent to 94 percent of the levels before the pandemic.
British Airways has been reached out to for a statement.
