Difficulties at BA

Sir, Once again, our national airline has failed us (report, August 27). The lame excuse of “staff shortages” caused many cancelled British Airways flights. Trade unions representing staff blame stress and exhaustion for high levels of sickness, but why are staff staying away from work?

In early 1997, I carried out PhD research into staff/management attitudes in 34 UK companies, including British Airways. I sent the results to the then Chief Executive, Bob Ayling, but heard nothing further.

I quote from my research findings at BA:

It appears that the airline is still failing its shareholders, customers and its greatest asset, its staff, and will continue to to do so until management accepts that it must engage with staff at all levels in all aspects of the business.