The chief of Labour’s largest union donor has accused David Lammy of launching a “direct assault” on British Airways staff.
Sharon Graham, boss of the highly effective Unite union, hit out on the senior Labour MP after he condemned the proposed strikes.
On Sunday morning the shadow overseas secretary stated he “categorically” didn’t assist a possible strike by BA check-in employees.
In a fierce rebuke, Unite’s basic secretary accused Labour of a “new low” and stated it confirmed politicians had “failed” staff.
She stated Unite’s BA members have been combating to revive the ten per cent pay minimize they have been handed by the airline in the course of the pandemic.
Graham added: “David Lammy has chosen to launch a direct assault on British Airways staff.
“This dispute shouldn’t be a couple of pay rise – it’s about restoring cash taken out of staff’ pockets by an opportunistic employer.
“Supporting unhealthy bosses is a brand new low for Labour and as soon as once more reveals that politicians have failed. It’s now right down to the commerce unions to defend working individuals. We’re their solely voice.”
Talking to broadcasters on the Sunday morning information spherical, Lammy stated Labour continues to assist negotiations and a deal in relation to disputes over pay, jobs and circumstances.
Requested if he would assist BA employees who’re being balloted by the GMB and Unite unions to strike, he informed BBC Information on Sunday: “All of us are feeling the pinch with inflation.
“Many people may desire a (pay) rise of 10 per cent; in fact, most individuals perceive it’s unlikely that you just’re going to get that.
“It completely wouldn’t be proper, it could not be accountable opposition, if I urged sure to each strike.”
Pressed on whether or not he helps the proposed strike by check-in employees, he stated: “No, I don’t. No I don’t – it’s a no, it’s a categorical no.”
Requested why, he stated: “As a result of I’m severe in regards to the enterprise of being in authorities and the enterprise of being in authorities is that you just assist negotiation.”
Lammy additionally stated he didn’t assist final week’s rail strikes as a result of they “damage” working individuals.
He stated a Labour authorities can be negotiating and making an attempt to achieve a decision to the dispute, including: “This isn’t a second for posturing and standing on picket strains.”
Labour chief Keir Starmer requested shadow cupboard members and their groups to not be part of the pro-strike demonstrations.
Nonetheless, a lot of Labour frontbenchers defied him to look alongside placing railway staff on picket strains.
