Tess De Mello served as a member of British Airways’ cabin crew for three decades before losing her position in 2020 when the airline implemented substantial job cuts in response to pandemic-related economic pressures. The airline issued redundancy notices to nearly all 42,000 employees, with approximately 10,000 ultimately losing their jobs. The union representing cabin crew members characterized BA’s approach as fire-and-rehire, with remaining staff required to accept significant pay reductions and demotions. The action drew criticism from parliamentary authorities, with MPs describing it as a “national disgrace.”
De Mello has characterized the dismissal as a deeply personal matter. She expressed concern about the psychological impact of job loss and the potential judgment from former colleagues who had respected her professional competence. The airline had initially informed its longest-serving cabin crew members they could expect 20% basic pay cuts if retained, though union data suggested actual salary reductions ranged between 15% and 35%. When De Mello requested clarification regarding her specific salary terms and time to consider the offer while explicitly stating her intention to remain with the company, BA subsequently treated her as having voluntarily departed, according to court documents related to her unfair dismissal claim.
An employment tribunal judge ruled against De Mello and a former colleague at a Reading tribunal proceeding. Both individuals are appealing the decision. Additionally, they have filed claims alleging underpayment of holiday entitlements during their tenure as part-time workers. Their legal representatives argue that the shift pattern typical for cabin crew—working consecutive full days followed by consecutive days off—should classify them as “part-year” workers entitled to full-time holiday compensation, similar to teachers. Should their case succeed, the implications could extend across the aviation sector, as such scheduling arrangements are standard throughout the industry.
BA responded by noting that an employment tribunal in 2025 dismissed the claimants’ initial claims, determining the airline’s pandemic-related actions were non-discriminatory and fair. The airline stated it believes the current claims lack merit and indicated it would communicate this position to the tribunal.
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