BA pilots call off strike later this month

Wednesday, 18 Sep, 2019 0

BA pilots have called off a strike planned for September 27 saying they want a ‘period of reflection’.

Union, The British Airline Pilots Association, said a 48-hour strike earlier this month had demonstrated the anger and resolve of pilots.

They said it was now time for a period of reflection ‘before the dispute escalates further and irreparable damage is done to the brand’.

BALPA general secretary, Brian Strutton, said: "Someone has to take the initiative to sort out this dispute and with no sign of that from BA the pilots have decided to take the responsible course. In a genuine attempt at establishing a time out for common sense to prevail, we have lifted the threat of the strike on the 27th September.

"BA passengers rightly expect BA and its pilots to resolve their issues without disruption and now is the time for cool heads and pragmatism to be brought to bear. I hope BA and its owner IAG show as much responsibility as the pilots."

It said BALPA retains the right to announce further strike dates if BA doesn’t play ball.

What the Mole says:
Although BA has taken a bashing over its handling of the strikes, there has also been a swell of negativity towards the pilots. Social media has been awash with criticism of ‘overpaid’ and ‘overperked’ pilots being greedy in tough economic times.

Although pilots have now backed down, much of the damage has already been done as BA has already contacted affected customers to tell them their flights have been cancelled. This late decision will only add to the confusion for BA customers and the administrative nightmare for BA – and for poor agents too.

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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