BA employ psychologist to help cure cabin crew dispute
10.04.11
British Airways has recruited to a clinical psychologist in a bid to solve its long-running dispute with cabin crew represented by the Unite union, the Guardian reports. Mark Hamlin, whose company specialises in dealing with ‘fragility of trust’, is reported to have met senior figures at BA and Unite in a bid to improve their fractious relationship. The newspaper says Mr Hamlin is acting as a ‘long-term relationship builder’ as BA and Unite continue to thrash out a basis for peace talks under the threat of renewed strike action.
The clock is ticking on BA and Unite's attempts to avoid another round of strike action because the union must declare strike dates at the end of this week if it wants to stage walkouts. Last month, cabin crew affiliated to Unite voted for strike action for the fourth time in less than 18 months. Under trade union law, Unite has until next weekend to give BA seven days' notice of industrial action, which could expose BA to strikes over the Easter weekend. However, both sides are reported to be focused on reaching a settlement.
The newspaper's 'sources close to the dispute' believe there is a stronger chance of a breakthrough because two former protagonists have left the negotiating table. Willie Walsh, former chief executive of BA, has been replaced by his former finance director Keith Williams, while Tony Woodley, former general secretary of Unite, has been replaced by Len McCluskey. However, Mr McCluskey was heavily involved in the dispute and 22 days of strike action last year, and has been nicknamed in the press 'Red Len' for his hardline views.
Mr Hamlin, a former drama teacher, told the newspaper: ‘I am involved with helping British Airways, Unite and its cabin crew representatives to find ways to develop a better working relationship as part of wider discussions on finding a resolution to the current cabin crew dispute.’ A BA spokesman said: ‘To give those talks the best possible chance, we have appointed an independent facilitator. The focus of the facilitator will be the development of a better working relationship between BA and the local cabin crew representatives.’
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