British Airways has reversed a controversial rule that banned flight and cabin crew members from drinking anything other than water whilst in uniform in public spaces. The move comes following a severe backlash from staff members and unions, who branded it demoralising and impractical, and claimed they were being “micro-managed.”
The policy was first announced earlier this month, which saw both pilots and cabin crew only allowed to drink water “discreetly” in public areas such as terminals. Other drinks were permitted but only in the airline’s crew room or restrooms.
British Airways said that the policy was intended to maintain a professional image. However, unions argued that the policy did not allow for the realities of life as a pilot or cabin crew, with long duty days and jet lag combining to make caffeine intake often essential for alertness.
In a leaked internal memo, BA said that the wording of the policy had “given the impression” that eating and drinking were now banned. BA now claims that this was never the case, although it does still require crews to be seated whilst eating or drinking and not walking through the terminal with a takeaway drink in hand.
The ban formed part of a wider clampdown by the airline on crew appearance and social media policies. This saw crew unable to post pictures on social media of themselves in their uniform unless specific guidelines had been followed.
Crew were also no longer allowed to commute in uniform, although this ban has also been lifted while the airline looks for a better solution.
Unions representing the airline’s staff members said that the U-turn was a win for its members, who are already under intense pressure and tired from long hours of duty, as well as a victory for common sense.
What did you think of the ban? Did BA go too far?
© Confessions of a Trolley Dolly by Dan Air
One thought