British Airways Today reported a "fantastic" response to a management cost-cutting appeal, with 800 staff saying they were ready to work without pay for a month, according to dpa. The loss-making airline said that almost 7,000 staff had applied for voluntary pay cuts, including the 800 who will go without pay in July. Of the 40,000-strong workforce, 6,940 employees had volunteered for unpaid leave, part-time working or unpaid work, which the company said would save costs of up to 10 million pounds (16 million dollars). "This is a fantastic first response. I want to thank everyone who has volunteered to help us pull through this difficult period. This response clearly shows the significant difference individuals can make," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh. Walsh has said he will give up a month' salary in July which, at 61,000 pounds, is more than double of what many of his employees take home in a year. Options offered to staff included volunteering for between one and four weeks' unpaid leave or unpaid work, with the pay deduction spread over three or six months. The airline has been looking to slash costs as part of its survival plan after unveiling an annual loss of 400 million pounds last year. Around 2,500 jobs have been cut since last summer and the airline wants to shed another 3,000 posts across its business. Talks are currently being held with union leaders to agree a pay and jobs package as part of the cash-saving drive expected to be finalized on June 30.
