With financial crisis and coalition government swirling around us all the back-to-the-seventies vibe is pretty strong. The Unite union in particular seems to be hell bent on bringing back massive mutton chops, sheepskin car coats and orange acrylic shirts.

Today, they’ve announced another series of strikes by British Airways cabin crew. Fair enough, they’ve got the right to hold industrial action but they can’t pretend to represent the common man when they’ve deliberately – and repeatedly – targeted bank holidays and half terms through May and June (May 18-22, May 24-28, May 30-June 3 and June 5-9 if you’re interested). Think of the families that will effect. Normal people looking forward to a break from the grind and some quality time together – let alone the business flights and attendant economic benefits they bring.

The rhetoric of solidarity with the man in the street has about the same validity as the mafia code of honour – it lasts as long as the tactical situation makes it useful. Anyway, if they intend to bring down the company that employs them in the time-honoured tradition that served the likes of British Leyland so well best of luck to them!

Less politically (and if you’re in SEO/marketing) if you’re looking to head to SMX Advanced in Seattle and you’ve got tickets through BA and are looking for a replacement, BMI are holding sale prices till tomorrow.