[Busman747]

"Ms Starmer, a first officer with BA, told the tribunal in January that BA's "family-unfriendly working practices" reinforced male-dominated traditions. The pilot, who joined BA in May 2001, told the tribunal she and her husband, who is also a pilot, worked "extremely irregular" shift patterns, which made it difficult for them to care for their young daughter."

She is simply working the system.....and our courts help!

Whatever career you choose to follow, there will always be drawbacks. In the case of pilots, long and irregular hours are part and parcel of the job. This is counteracted by the glamorous side which is visiting foreign destinations and getting very well paid for doing so.

In addition, she chose to marry a pilot.......and must put up with the consequences!


Young mothers get maternity leave and then decide as to whether they continue with their careers or become a full time mum. 30 years ago, they didn't have the option of returning to work in the same job but British Airways has given her job back as per the law and as far as I am concerned, she has absolutely no right to dictate to her employer any change of contract that is different to the one she signed before pregnancy.

As it is, she only works 16 days per month, that to me is classed already as part-time, What good is a pilot that is only available for 8 days to a national company?

"Hello, B.A? This is Ms Starmer, Sorry can't work today, baby is teething. Better get someone else to do my flight to Hong Kong that takes off in 30 minutes"

Either be a full-time mum or a full time pilot!!!!

I like the bit about "male dominated traditions"......certain careers attract more than the average applications from the gay community, hair dressers being one because of their flair and discerning taste...and careers centred around aircraft, maybe because percentage wise, they are less likely to be into a serious relationship and therefore can adapt to the unusual hours without it disrupting or conflicting with a family life.