TCM Endorses Continual Dialogue to resolve Virgin and BALPA's Dispute.

The TCM Group is encouraging Virgin and The British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) to stay engaged in constructive dialogue to head off the threat of strike action by pilots in a dispute about alleged restrictions on time off.

“With a potential strike ballot possible taking place later this week, we urge both Virgin and BALPA to take this opportunity to sit down together and engage in open dialogue in order to find a solution to this dispute. Our long experience of resolving conflict in organisations has shown that having such robust conversations may be difficult, but is more likely to carve out a path to a settlement that really works.

BALPA argues that Virgin is denying them an entitlement to the minimum number of 120 rostered days off, as part of an agreement pilots have with the airline.

“This is a tricky situation for both sides and could unnecessarily damage the relationships between management and workers. So it’s in everyone’s best interests to keep talking,” David Liddle continues.”

“Our wide experience of resolving complex disputes within businesses – through our unique and proven FAIR mediation model – shows that the key to healthy, robust working relationships is to nip conflict in the bud. In practice, this is about businesses engaging in open dialogue and honest debate with their workforces, so that staff feel they have a real stake in the life of the organization.”

“We would be delighted to assist Virgin and BALPA  find a way through this dispute, and to help them embed the principles of conflict prevention and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) into the systems, processes and culture of their organizations” adds David Liddle.

“We strongly encourage all organisations to consider the benefits of this approach. There are significant financial savings to be made through reduced employments tribunals and grievance procedures (which cost the UK an estimated £33 billion per year, according to the CBI). There are other key benefits in the reduction in staff absenteeism, the increase in productivity and long-term operational planning, and a growing working culture of respect, trust and responsibility.”

The TCM group is proud to be associated with the upcoming CIPD Exhibition from the 9th-12th November 2010 in Manchester. David Liddle, TCM Founder and Director will present an interactive session, exploring the role, benefits and limitations of mediation in the modern workplace. A knowledge-based sharing of the “Five Golden Rules” for organisations wishing to integrate mediation into their business practices

Notes to Editors

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TCM is the UK’s foremost provider of business, employment and workplace mediation services. Since 2001, it has provided high quality dispute resolution services, courses and events.
TCM is a founder member of the Professional Mediators’ Association (PMA)

, which is recognised by CIPD and HM Government as being dedicated to promoting professional standards for workplace and employment mediators. All of TCM’s mediators and trainers are full members of the PMA and undergo regular professional development and review of their practice. TCM is also fully registered with the Civil Mediation Council (CMC).
TCM’s comprehensive range of complementary mediation and dispute resolution services include:
- Setting up internal mediation services for organizations
- Independent mediation between individuals or within teams and groups
- Accredited training for workplace and employment mediators
- Dispute resolution skills training for HR, managers and other staff members
- Independent and professional investigation services
- Conflict management coaching for managers and executives.
TCM’s clients range from major blue chip companies including BT, Shell, American Airlines and HSBC to large and complex government departments including the Cabinet Office, Department for Work and Pensions, Ministry of Defence and Department for Culture Media and Sport. TCM have developed mediation schemes in public sector organisations up and down the country including NHS Trusts, Universities, Councils and Police Forces. Recently, its international work has involved developing conflict resolution systems for Amnesty International and the European Patent Office