British Airways (BA) workers and their supporters gathered in Epsom on Tuesday (August 25) to protest the airline’s treatment of them during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and ask Epsom and Ewell MP Chris Grayling for support in their campaign.

BA employees have accused the airline of floating plans to make its entire workforce of over 40,000 workers redundant and only re-hire those willing to take on an inferior terms contract.

In an escalating series of protests that call the iconic British airline’s actions a “betrayal”, workers including those based in Epsom have piled pressure on BA to respect their jobs and contracts, with the possibility of strikes mooted as more flights resume amid the ongoing fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Alex Cruz, Chairman and CEO at BA, said previously the airline were considering “a number of changes, including possible reductions in headcount,” so that the airline maintains a “competitive and resilient position”.

On Tuesday, BA employees affiliated with Unite the trade union wore masks to minimize the risk of spreading coronavirus as they protested in Epsom, calling on former transport secretary Grayling to support their campaign to protect their contracts and reprimand the airline.

“Many thousands of BA workers are being subjected to the most brutal ‘fire and re-hire’ strategy,” Unite Executive Officer Sharon Graham said.

“British Airways are a national disgrace and actions against them will continue,” she added.

Surrey Comet: A supporter signs a petition against British Airways handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Image: Unite the unionA supporter signs a petition against British Airways handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Image: Unite the union

Campaigners are calling for BA to lose some of its most lucrative runway ‘slots’ at Heathrow Airport as a penalty for how it has acted towards employees, and so far some 230 MPs have signed a letter lobbying the government to review them.

Grayling has not yet joined them but said earlier this month he had raised concerns with ministerial colleagues in parliament on behalf of his constituents impacted by the dispute.

“So far, over 230 MPs have added their name to our call for BA’s privileged landing slots to be reviewed and the numbers continue to grow,” Unite’s Graham said of Tuesday’s protest.

“BA scorched earth approach will have consequences,” she added.

Surrey Comet: British Airways workers and supporters gather in Epsom to protest the airline's plans for responding to Covid-19British Airways workers and supporters gather in Epsom to protest the airline's plans for responding to Covid-19

Negotiations between employees and BA are ongoing at present but Unite have said existing proposals put forward by the airline’s management would leave them no option but to strike:

“British Airways is heading for months of industrial unrest unless it steps back from proposals which will effectively force thousands of workers onto punitive and insecure zero hours-type contracts,” a statement released by the union last week read.

Unionised BA workers said their mental health has been severely impacted by BA’s suggestion of job losses, with suicides reported among company employees in recent weeks.

The Epsom Comet contacted Grayling’s office for comment.