British Airways Suspends 17 Staff Members For Inappropriate Comments

It now seems that well known airline British Airways has suspended 17 of its staff members for making inappropriate comments on a website aimed at bullying pilots prepared to break a threatened cabin crew strike. A spokesman for British Airways said that inappropriate comments have been posted on a union website, and they have asked United for their assistance in removing those postings and identifying the people involved.

The spokesman went on to say that they will not tolerate intimidation of their staff, and any reports of staff being threatened will be investigated. A number of staff have been suspended while the airline carries out its investigation.

Unite said that the suspension of the 17 crew members was in no way as a result of comments they are alleged to have posted on the union website. The union said it is Unite’s clear view that British Airways’ actions are in relation to alleged comments made on Facebook. British Airways has unleashed a cyberspace witch hunt, the union added, and cabin crew have been suspended simply for being a Facebook friend.

Unite is midway through a fresh ballot of 13,500 cabin crew. This ballot comes after the 12 day strike over Christmas was declared unlawful by the High Court. British Airways has been training volunteers to replace the striking crew in the event of a walkout after the ballot closes on February 22^nd. Unite claimed that only 216 people responded to the call for volunteers from British Airways. However, the airline has declined to confirm the exact number that has been in contact with the airline.