Brendan Gold Quotations

Thousands of jobs have already gone, and we saw the effects of that a couple of summers ago when the airline found itself short of people at Heathrow.

We are not happy with the pension proposals put forward by BA and part of the meeting today (Wednesday) was to say why. But, equally, we were clear today was the first in a long series of meetings. We expect the negotiations to be both lengthy and complex.

The proposal as presented to the (union) today is both unfair and unacceptable and does not represent a starting point for negotiations. This may be legal, but is morally wrong. This change alone has the effect of reducing existing pension pots by 13,300 pounds ($23,000) on average.

Everyone wants BA to continue its success. But that must include recognition that the workforce and the unions have, and will continue to play, a key role.

BA is a profitable company not one in crisis. It must be remembered that pensions are deferred earnings.

The (BA) proposal as presented to the T&G today is both unfair and unacceptable and does not represent a starting point for negotiations.