BRITISH AIRWAYS

Early day motion 189, tabled 1 July 1997 by Ken Livingstone (Labour). Signed by 47 members.

That this House believes that the tactics of industrial intimidation being pursued by British Airways chief executive Mr Bob Ayling in his dispute with ground staff and cabin crew amount to the worst kind of macho management; notes that these measures include the threat to withdraw travel concessions until March 2,000, the withdrawal of all promotion prospects, the removal of early retirement or voluntary severance arrangements, and the threat of dismissal or legal action; agrees with the reported admission of Mr Bob Ayling in the Guardian that 'in a way what we're doing isn't fair'; expresses its concern that Mr Ayling is preparing for a full-scale confrontation with his workforce including the video filming of pickets, secret collections by coach of strike-bearers, the payment of taxi fares of up to ú75 per journey for staff who work during the strike, and the encouragement of scab trade union Cabin Crew 89; believes that the course of action adopted by British Airways is a fundamental attack on internationally recognised trade union rights; welcomes the fact that the election of a new Government provides the opportunity to move on from the brutal industrial relations of the Thatcher years; calls upon British Airways to negotiate with both cabin crew and ground staff; and urges Mr Ayling to withdraw the threats to his employees as a first step in solving the dispute.

Signatures by party: Labour 43, Labour/Co-operative 3, Unknown 1.