Sir - The Dan-Air Pilots' Action Group (DAPAG) is pleased that the industrial tribunal has found in its favour that former Dan-Air pilots were unfairly dismissed.
From the outset the advice of the British Air Line Pilots Association (BAlPA) has been that DAPAG had no case. Since the dismissals, BALPA has made every effort to undermine DAPAG efforts and persuade it to drop proceedings. With excellent legal representation, however, DAPAG knew it had a strong case. Following procrastination and prevarication, BALPA finally handed over its few remaining pilots for representation by DAPAG lawyers at the tribunal.
Cost so far of nearly £300,000 have been rased purely from members - many of whom are in very depleted circumstances. The level of compensation has yet to be decided and DAPAG members could, conceivably, not get a return on their money.
At least 185 Dan-Air pilots have proved, however, that justice can be achieved and the principle of seniority, so sadly ignored when it was most needed, has been upheld.
By not accepting BALPA's advice, which included acceptance of a series of minimal "settlement" offers from British Airways, DAPAG is now in a position to pursue contractual claims before the High Court. These include breach of contract, wrongful dismissal and enhanced redundancy payments.
Upon past experience, DAPAG does not, regrettably, expect any help from BALPA.
Capt D I GRAY-FISK
Dan-Air Pilots' Action Group
Buckinghamshire, UK
Source: Flight International
