Flailing BA tells staff: “work for free”

Pilots are likely to accept a 2.61% basic pay cut and aviation unions are in talks over job losses and British Airways’ (BA) request for staff or work for free for up to a month in July. The airline posted its worst-ever results since being privatised in 1987.

Willie Walsh, the airline’s chief executive, is waiving his £550,000 share bonus and £61,000 in wages for July as an example. But unions representing BA staff rejected the suggestion. Unite said in a statement: “Willie Walsh can afford to work for nothing, our members can’t.” Mick Rix, GMB national officer for aviation, said: “I would find it ... difficult to assume that most staff would take this request seriously.”

BA says the cuts would be voluntary and spread over three to six months. It is also offering sabbaticals to staff and seeking redundancies among cabin crew. Walsh will receive a pay rise of 6% this year taking his salary to £743,000.