IT'S ALL TRUE !!! .... well not exactly all ... well actually it is all true .. it's just the slant thats been put on it that is wrong.

Nick is right to the effect that BA has offered staff the chance to take unpaid leave ( between 1 week and several months ) and to have that salary duducted over a 3 or 6 month period. Sounds similar to the Cathay scheme although BA's is optional ( but remember they know where we live ) .. not too sure from nicks comments as to whether the Cathay scheme is optional or mandatory.

During the discussions about the terms of the scheme a number of people asked if they could take the leave and still come into work ( must be relatives of Nicks boss ) so that choice was added to the options but of course the press jumped upon the story and interpreted it to their own ends.

There do seem to be quite a few opting for the 'work for free' option ... I guess they see that as a better option than being banished to the garden shed ( or garage ) for days on end by the other 'alf

Personally having looked at my payslip I thought I was already working for free !!!

I don't think that BA will be the last carrier to indtroduce this sorts of measures ... unfortunately most of the world doesn't have that nice soft bed called Chapter 11 to fall into when they are ailing and can't pay the bills.