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BA pilots’ strike cancelled
The British Airline Pilots Association has today called off the next strike scheduled for 27th September in the dispute between British Airways and its pilots. BALPA said the strikes on 9th and 10th September had demonstrated the anger and resolve of pilots. It was now time for a period of reflection before the dispute escalates further and irreparable damage is done to the brand.
BALPA hope BA will now change its approach and negotiate seriously with a view to ending this dispute.
BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said:
“Someone has to take the initiative to sort out this dispute and with no sign of that from BA the pilots have decided to take the responsible course. In a genuine attempt at establishing a time out for common sense to prevail, we have lifted the threat of the strike on the 27th September.
“BA passengers rightly expect BA and its pilots to resolve their issues without disruption and now is the time for cool heads and pragmatism to be brought to bear. I hope BA and its owner IAG show as much responsibility as the pilots.”
Should BA refuse meaningful new negotiations, BALPA retains the right to announce further strike dates.
Iberia 8 day strikes?
On Monday, Spanish union Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT), called on Iberia ground staff to hold an eight-day strike. This was due to Iberia’s decision to suspend negotiations with the union. Previously staff had taken cuts when Iberia was struggling. Iberia performance has significantly improved last year with IAG announcing a €3,678m before-tax operating profit. Understandly the union now wants to negotiate a better deal for the staff.
In mid-August UGT called on Iberia ground staff at Barcelona airport to strike after negotiations with Iberia failed. Earlier in September the Union apparently gave the airline an ultimatum to return to the negotiating table, or face a strike. As the Iberia failed to return to negotiations, UGT has called on 4,500 UGT represented Iberia ground staff to strike for eight days, on every Monday from the 30 September to 18 November. This is less than half of Iberia’s 13,000 ground staff but it could still have a significant impact.
Nothing has been formally announced by Iberia regarding the strikes.
New Bonvoy Maldives redemption
Most people usually like to use their hotel points for something special that would normally be very expensive. Marriott Bonvoy has a new hotel to tempt you into burning those hard-earned points with the announced opening date of the new JW Marriott Maldives. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa will open on the island of Vagaru, Shaviyani Atoll, on 1 November 2020 and is now available for cash or points bookings.
Located a 55-minute seaplane flight to the north of Male, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa will place a strong emphasis on privacy. The property will feature 60 spacious villas starting at a generous 234 square metres, all with private pools. They are designed to be very private.
Top class dining is central to the hotel with five restaurants and chefs from some of the world’s top restaurants, including Nobu. It will also have three fully-serviced bars, and an expansive wine cellar, a JW branded Spa and Kids Club, an adults-only pool and club, private pools with every villa, on-site marine biologist, an over-water gym, and an open-air yoga pavilion with multiple wellness spaces.
You can search for availability and see more information here.
The ultimate avgeek experience
If you are an aviation geek you may have heard of MegaDo. This is an annual aviation event which gives enthusiasts the chance to fly on special flights and see behind the scenes at airlines and airports. This years event is Star Alliance focused and takes place 12-16 October 2019. There are still places left if you are interested.
The trip includes:
- Fly between Frankfurt (FRA), Hamburg Airbus (XFW), Dubrovnik (DBV), and Zagreb (ZAG) with 150 other #avgeeks.
- There will be hot meals, and an open bar, and even a beach party in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
- See Frankfurt airport behind the scenes in partnership with Lufthansa.
- Kick the tires at the maintenance hangar at Zagreb airport, and explore the training facilities.
- Chat with Lufthansa, Croatia Airlines, and Star Alliance executives
- Fly on Megado’s own private charter Croatia Airlines A320!
- Discover Airbus in Hamburg
- Land at Airbus’ private Finkenwerder airport in Hamburg, Germany.
- Embark on an exclusive tour of the home of the A320 series and the A350 paint facilities.
