CAMPAIGNERS took to the streets this week to show their support for airline staff at risk of losing their jobs.
British Airways workers in Horsham are calling on their MP Jeremy Quin to support them in the face of job cuts.
The airline is currently in consultation on plans to slash up to 12,000 jobs as profits decline due to the coronavirus crisis.
Campaigners want the Conservative MP to sign a pledge which calls for a government review of British Airways’ control of UK landing slots.
Sharon Graham, executive officer of trade union Unite said: “Friends and neighbours have been showing their support for BA staff and are calling on Jeremy Quin to act.
“British Airways’ workers face an unprecedented attack on their jobs, pay and conditions in the middle of the worst health crisis in a century.
“There should be consequences to BA’s actions. The company is essentially creating a new and unrecognisable airline.
“It is simply wrong for them to have privileged access to landing slots while its workforce are being sacrificed for shareholder profits.”
Hundreds of BA staff live in Horsham, and on Wednesday campaigners protested in the town centre and outside Mr Quin’s parliamentary office.
One British Airways cabin crew member who has worked for the airline for more than 20 years and wished to remain anonymous said she was “devastated”.
She said: “It’s said getting another job should be painless as we as crew have many transferable skills, but at my age of 60 there are few employers willing to take me on.”
Another BA worker added: “My hair is falling out through stress, I’ve started smoking again and I’m awake all hours during the night. I feel stabbed in the back.”
BA said the airline is doing everything it can to protect as many jobs as possible.
A spokesman said: “For more than a century British Airways has been connecting Britain with the world, but today, as the world remains largely closed, the airline is facing its biggest-ever challenge.
“It is disappointing for a company taking action to save as many jobs as possible to be singled out in this way.
“Politicians should be wary of supporting a union campaign that would ultimately result in the loss of more British jobs. Instead of acting against us, Unite and GMB need to consult with us on our proposals as our pilot union, BALPA, is doing.
“Working together we can protect more jobs as we prepare for a new future.”
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