Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/617/9052
From The Socialist newspaper, 24 March 2010
Message of support from Socialist Party MEP Joe Higgins:
I am writing ahead of your scheduled strike to express my solidarity, as well as the solidarity of my party the Socialist Party and our sister party the Socialist Party of England and Wales, for your campaign to defend your pay and conditions in British Airways.
British Airways CEO, Willie Walsh, has a reputation from his time in Aer Lingus of savaging the pay and conditions of workers. He wants to repeat the same again in BA.
If management are successful in doing this they will be one step closer to turning BA into a Ryanair style operation with rock bottom pay and conditions for its workers.
It is important for all workers in aviation that a stand is taken. The strike is a beacon to workers in the aviation industry who are opposed to the 'race to the bottom' in pay and conditions for workers in the industry.
In my own constituency of Dublin, Aer Lingus management are planning to sack 80% of cabin crew and rehire them on inferior terms and conditions.
After the relentless cuts of the Walsh era this latest assault underlines the correctness of your decision to fight BA's impositions.
I applaud Unite's call for international solidarity action to black BA flights during your strike. International solidarity such as this will be a key factor in winning this battle.
I also would like to condemn the campaign in the media and amongst the political establishment against you over the last number of weeks and days.
If I or the Socialist Party can be of any practical or political assistance during your struggle please don't hesitate to get in contact.
In solidarity,
Joe Higgins
Socialist Party MEP
Dublin
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In The Socialist 24 March 2010:
Message of support for striking BA workers from Socialist Party MEP Joe Higgins:
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