BA accused of spin over pilot pay dispute

Thursday, 29 Aug, 2019 0

BALPA has accused British Airways of creating public relations ‘spin’ by suggesting that there are talks planned to settle a long-running pay dispute with pilots.

In a statement today, it said there are currently no talks planned, contrary to claims by the airline.

It said after BA’s CEO Alex Cruz’s personal promise that he wants to reach a resolution, BALPA wrote to him welcoming this approach and asked to meet to hear his proposals.

But BALPA says it has not had a response from the airline’s chief.

"Other BA staff have indicated they will meet but have not confirmed that they will put forward a better offer," said the statement.

Brian Strutton, BALPA general secretary, added: "It’s disappointing that Mr Cruz has not replied to us having promised to get involved.

"This dispute will only be settled, and these strike will only be called off, when BA improve their offer enough to satisfy their pilots. Until BA indicate that they are willing to do that, there is absolutely no point in any talks.

"I hope we will hear from Alex Cruz positively today."

Strikes are planned for September 9, 10 and 27.

BA claims its proposed offer of a 11.5% rise over three years is ‘fair’ and has already been accepted by members of Unite and GMB unions.

A spokesman for BA said: "We have continued to urge BALPA to return to talks since they issued strike dates, and this was reiterated again yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

"Our negotiating team is standing by and open to discussion, with Alex Cruz’s full support."

Bev

Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.

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