BRITISH Airways workers from North East Hampshire are calling for support from their local MP.

Protestors were out in force at Hart District Council on Tuesday to call on trade minister Ranil Jaywardena to support them against the airline's "project fire and rehire".

The airline were criticised last month after it emerged that they told some employees to accept an enhanced redundancy packet or have to reapply for a similar job at a much lower pay, according to The Guardian.

And now, some workers have said enough is enough.

One protestor present on Tuesday said that the airline had used the coronavirus pandemic to "blatantly attack our terms and conditions", whilst another said: "People have been demoted twice for no reason."

Another said: "They have forced me onto medication and therapy, we aren't protected by law at all, it is so disappointing."

A fourth added that they were "treated with such contempt", whilst another said that the last five months have been "mental torture", saying they were given "an ultimatum with no consultation".

Unite executive officer Sharon Graham said: "Boris Johnson’s words of support for BA staff and his talk of 'jobs, jobs, jobs' is empty rhetoric unless the Government acts. There must be consequences for British Airways' decision to press ahead with its plans to fire and rehire its workforce in the middle of the worst health crisis in a century."

A BA spokesperson said: “We are acting now to protect as many jobs as possible. The airline industry is facing the deepest structural change in its history, as well as facing a severely weakened global economy.

“We call on Unite and GMB to consult with us on our proposals as our pilot union, Balpa, is doing. Working together we can protect more jobs as we prepare for a new future.”

Responding to the protest, Mr Jayawardena said: "I do appreciate that this is an uncertain and difficult time for British Airways’ staff and their families, particularly for those who’ve given long service.

"I understand that after 76 days of non-engagement with BA, UNITE are now engaging with the proposals. This is encouraging and I would urge UNITE to work for their members and continue to negotiate in good faith.

"HM Government has offered unprecedented support to airlines to help them get through COVID-19, but airlines remain private businesses, making their own decisions. That said, I hope the airline will understand the impact on reputation and do all it can to look after loyal employees."