Fighting Back: resisting union-busting and strike-breaking in the BA dispute is a new IEPR booklet written by Professor Keith Ewing.
The booklet covers the history of the dispute from its inception to its conclusion with detailed insight and analysis of what really went on and the issues that lay behind the dispute which had huge implications for Unite and its Bassa members whose lives were turned upside down by the demands of the employer.
The nature of the dispute and the conduct of BA had massive implications for British trade unionism. The main problem highlighted by the dispute is the extent to which the law is tilted so heavily in favour of employers.
Quite apart from the alleged union-busting and strike breaking activities of BA and Willie Walsh
the dispute illustrates the extent to which employers generally are supported by law when forcing through changes, and supported by law when the union tries to mobilise resistance to these changes.
British labour law, this dispute, argues Keith, shold now provide a launch-pad for its reform.
For a preview of this excellent publication visit the IPER website. You can also purchase your copy on line from the site – it is £8 well spent.
