BA Ratchet Up Stakes By Suspending Unite Member For Organising Christmas Collection

From the Guardian:

"BA crew step nearer strike vote after suspension over Christmas collection

Union's 'dismay and anger' after woman is sent home for collecting money for sacked and suspended colleagues

Unite has warned that the suspension is likely to worsen its dispute with BA. But the timetable of any strike ballot makes industrial action over Christmas unlikely. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PA
The Unite trade union has moved closer to calling a strike ballot among British Airways cabin crew after expressing its "dismay and anger" over the suspension of an employee for holding a Christmas collection for sacked and suspended colleagues.

Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite, said the suspension of Andrea Molton would worsen the dispute if she is not reinstated. In a letter to BA's director of people, Tony McCarthy, Woodley said: "I am urging you to intervene to lift Andrea's suspension immediately, failing which the consequences will rest entirely with management."

Unite insiders said the suspension increased the likelihood of a strike vote before Christmas. However, Unite must give seven days notice before holding a ballot, which would normally be expected to last a month - meaning that industrial action is likely to miss Christmas.

The year-long dispute between BA and Unite is at an impasse after Tony Woodley said last week that he could no longer recommend a BA peace offer amid resistance from Unite's two cabin crew branches. So far the dispute has seen the sacking of 16 staff and the suspension of a further 58 , though a number of those suspended have returned to work. A BA spokesman said "current" suspensions applied to 12 staff.

Referring to the Molton case, the spokesman added: "A member of cabin crew has been suspended following an allegation of bullying and harassment. The company's disciplinary process has been in place for many years and was agreed with all of its unions, including Unite. As a responsible company, we would not divulge details of individual cases."