CONCERNED BWIA employees have slammed their new chief executive officer (CEO) Peter Davies for allegedly embarking on a witch hunt, “so soon after his appointment”.

The employees have also expressed concern over how silent their unions, the Aviation Communication and Allied Workers Union (ACAWU), the Pilots Association and the Supervisors Association have gone despite reports of intimidating tactics against them.

The BWIA workers pointed TnT Mirror to a March 24 letter written to them by Davies.

Davies stated: “On a sour note, it has come to my attention that there have been a series of messages being faxed and copied around our offices concerning alleged malpractices between certain Board members, senior union officials and advisors.

“I also understand that this is not the first time.

“They refer to the current round of discussions and negotiations about our new Collective Agreements.”

Davies warned: “These notes, apart from being slanderous, as they are without foundation, are an act of irresponsible, childish behaviour and I will not tolerate such action.”

He advised: “If anyone has a grievance then come and see me and discuss it in a professional manner and not resort to potentially illegal practices.”

The CEO further warned: “Forthwith, I have initiated an investigation as to the source of these and other notes.

“Once the culprits have been identified then they will be suspended until a complete investigation has been carried out.”

According to the workers: “That was the first communication to us from Davies, yet, note the tone.

“That letter must be viewed as contemptuous; it is a threatening act by a foreigner new to the BWIA family.”

Mirror was told: “BWIA workers have been questioning the actions of their union leaders, and as a consequence communications have been circulated.

“Davies has joined the BWIA family at the head of the table and has immediately embarked on a witch-hunt to find the authors of the circulars and suspend them.

“The unions have so far remained silent while this foreigner is overtly intimidating workers.

“We, the workers of BWIA, find it intolerable that this new CEO, who has not yet met the staff, has already set such a precedent of disrespect to us.

“Is this a sign of things to come?

“All our hopes of a new and improved working environment have now fallen by the wayside.

“We believe that the only way forward is a public apology to the workers for this false start.”

Davies also told BWIA employees: “… We need to visit our processes in order to determine where we can seek some cost reductions.

“I want to begin by understanding all the external contracts we use in order to establish what we provide, at what cost, how long have they been in existence, what benefits they receive and can they be improved in quality and cost?

“This process will lead us into a process that will necessitate all contracts to be reviewed and suppliers will be asked to re-tender against two other companies to ensure that we are receiving the best value.

“This is a large project as it involves all our overseas operations as well as those here in TnT.

“It will last some months and I will keep you advised as to progress.

“It is also good standard business practice and will be repeated on an annual basis.”

Davies also told BWIA employees: “The process review that we will undertake to establish an airline that is ‘fighting fit’ will begin soon.

“The Operational Business plan that supports that initiative will be discussed with you at the staff meetings on April 10 and 11.

“I will also make further announcements at that time about some route re-restructuring plus some organisational changes.”