Anger over BA 'work for free' plan
Updated on 16 June 2009
Unions responded with anger after British Airways asked staff to work for free or take unpaid leave.
Chief executive Willie Walsh announced that staff will be able to opt for one-week blocks of unpaid time off or work, with salary deductions spread over three to six months.
Mr Walsh has already announced he will not draw his salary in July after a package of cost-cutting measures in response to record losses for the airline.
BA said in a statement: "This will help minimise the financial impact on individuals, while helping to immediately save cash for the business. The new unpaid work option means people can contribute to the cash-saving effort by coming to work while effectively volunteering for a small cut in base pay."
Mr Walsh said: "I am looking for every single part of the company to take part in some way in this cash-effective way of helping the company's survival plan. It really counts."
A spokesman for for the Unite union said: "Willie Walsh can afford to work a month for free. Our members can't."
Mick Rix, national officer for the GMB union, said: "Most workers may consider this request if and when the company's executives take permanent and radical action to reduce their own remuneration packages."
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