Union leaders are to today meet to decide whether to set dates for industrial action following a dispute with British Airways.
As reported, some 3,000 BA staff last week voted to take industrial action, with more than 8,000 more due to take part in a similar ballot this week.
The media is suggesting that any strike action could start at the bank holiday weekend in two weeks’ time. However, further attempts will today be made to avert the strike, which would no doubt cause extensive trouble for travellers.
According to the Sky News website, the TGWU has calculated that the cost to BA of settling the dispute would be GBP10 million a year.
National officer Brendan Gold is reported as saying that profits at BA has soared while pay had not kept pace with inflation: “These figures show what our members know in plain terms – that they have delivered for BA.
“Profits are up, employee costs are down and will continue to fall as our people accept and adapt to new situations. Their contribution must be recognised.”
BA reportedly says its offer of 8.5 per cent over three years is “fair and reasonable, given the challenges faced by our company”.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
