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800 BA workers set to work unpaid 800 BA workers set to work unpaid
(10 minutes later)
British Airways has said 800 workers have volunteered to work for nothing for up to a month, following the airline's request to cut costs.British Airways has said 800 workers have volunteered to work for nothing for up to a month, following the airline's request to cut costs.
Another 4,000 workers are taking unpaid leave, while 1,400 people have volunteered to work part-time.Another 4,000 workers are taking unpaid leave, while 1,400 people have volunteered to work part-time.
The airline had appealed to 30,000 workers to work for nothing for up to one month, to help the firm cut costs.The airline had appealed to 30,000 workers to work for nothing for up to one month, to help the firm cut costs.
BA's chief executive Willie Walsh has already agreed to work unpaid in July, forgoing his month's salary of £61,000.BA's chief executive Willie Walsh has already agreed to work unpaid in July, forgoing his month's salary of £61,000.
The airline, which is struggling in the downturn, says the move will save £10m.The airline, which is struggling in the downturn, says the move will save £10m.
'Fantastic' response'Fantastic' response
In May, BA reported a record annual loss of £401m, stemming partly from higher fuel bills and other costs.In May, BA reported a record annual loss of £401m, stemming partly from higher fuel bills and other costs.
This response clearly shows the significant difference individuals can make BA chief executive Willie Walsh Check BA's shares here
Following the response from workers, Mr Walsh said: "This is a fantastic first response. I want to thank everyone who has volunteered to help us pull through this difficult period."Following the response from workers, Mr Walsh said: "This is a fantastic first response. I want to thank everyone who has volunteered to help us pull through this difficult period."
He added: "This response clearly shows the significant difference individuals can make."He added: "This response clearly shows the significant difference individuals can make."
Mr Walsh said staff could volunteer for the programme later in the year too.Mr Walsh said staff could volunteer for the programme later in the year too.
The 800 workers have the choice to work the unpaid time when they want and can stagger days worked unpaid.The 800 workers have the choice to work the unpaid time when they want and can stagger days worked unpaid.
Staff were offered the chance to volunteer for between one and four weeks unpaid leave or unpaid work, with the pay deduction spread over three or six months.Staff were offered the chance to volunteer for between one and four weeks unpaid leave or unpaid work, with the pay deduction spread over three or six months.
The options also included switches to part-time working or longer periods of unpaid leave. Staff will have further opportunities to take part in the programme later in the year.The options also included switches to part-time working or longer periods of unpaid leave. Staff will have further opportunities to take part in the programme later in the year.