The Labour Party needs to find a new name May 31, 2010 THERE’S a saying that goes something like this: “Anyone who wasn’t left wing in their youth, doesn’t have a heart; but anyone who isn’t a conservative as an adult doesn’t have a brain.” The process of taking on responsibilities forces one to realise that accountability, a small government, freedom, and more decision-making left in the [...]
THE TIPSTER May 31, 2010 STERLING-US dollar has been well-supported of late on fears that Prudential’s planned purchase of AIA could collapse. A large currency hedge shorting cable was put in place some months ago when the deal was first agreed and if it falls over, the hedge will come off, sending sterling-US dollar higher. While highly speculative, traders should [...]
Airlines body hits Unite for BA strikes… May 27, 2010 THE trade body for the airline industry yesterday accused rebellious British Airways staff of being “divorced from reality”, as figures revealed the commercial damage done by the Icelandic ash cloud. In an unexpected broadside, the chief executive of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said the labour unrest plaguing Europe this year was “unbelievable”. Pointedly [...]
… as Walsh and union leaders resume talks May 27, 2010 TALKS between British Airways (BA) and Unite to put an end to the strike have been postponed until today. The decision to delay the negotiation talks came Wednesday night after the two struggled to reach an agreement to end the long running dispute. The break down of the negotiations had nothing to do with the [...]
British Airways and cabin crew union agree to restart negotiations May 26, 2010 BRITISH Airways said it would resume talks with the union of striking cabin crew later yesterday in an attempt to avert further industrial action. Cabin attendants are in the third day of a five-day strike, protesting over staffing levels and cuts to benefits. The stoppage follows seven days of walkouts in March. Previous negotiations in [...]
BA may go to court again as strikes drag on May 25, 2010 BRITISH Airways (BA) passengers faced a second day of flight cancellations this week as the bitter dispute with trade union Unite showed no signs of ending. The airline yesterday denied claims that it would take last week’s appeal judgment to the Supreme Court, but did not rule out that the battle could end up back [...]
Branson: Virgin Atlantic may need a merger May 25, 2010 VIRGIN ATLANTIC may have to find a merger partner to keep up with its rivals, according to the airline’s owner Sir Richard Branson. He said yesterday that the long haul carrier, which is already 49 per cent owned by Singapore Airlines, may need to come to a “situation where it would have to consolidate in [...]
Prudential and BA suffer as reputations sink May 25, 2010 YOUGOV’S BrandIndex scores show the insurance giant Prudential slipping since its announcement that it intends to acquire the Asian life insurance firm, AIA. BrandIndex has witnessed a dramatic drop in Prudential’s buzz score, which is measured by taking those who have heard something positive about a brand in the last week and subtracting those who [...]
BA strike gives rivals a boost May 24, 2010 BRITISH Airways (BA) faced the first day of a mammoth cabin crew strike action yesterday, while rival easyJet reported a spike in bookings from new passengers. BA said yesterday that it flew at least one flight to all of the short haul destinations it serves, while 85 per cent of long-haul destinations were served. Gatwick [...]
BA strike on as talks fail May 23, 2010 A WAR of words broke out between British Airways (BA) and trade union Unite after negotiations between the two fell apart, signalling that BA’s customers will face up to 15 days of disruptions. Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley called on BA late yesterday to drop the withdrawal of full travel perks for striking cabin [...]