As cabin crew begin their third day of strike action with no sign of reconciliation, British Airways is claiming that strike breakers are helping to keep high percentages of its schedules running.
Staff walked out again on Saturday for the latest five day industrial action but BA says its Heathrow long haul schedule will increase to higher than 80% of flights – the figure was 70% last week and 60% in the initial strike phase. Short haul flight will run at 60% of schedule.
The carrier says these figures are achievable because many staff have turned up to work despite the action.
The airline also says that it will run every flight scheduled between Heathrow and New York JFK.
Cabin crew are now waiting to see if there will be another strike ballot by their union Unite to kick off fresh walk-outs in July, as peak holiday season approaches.
by Dinah Hatch
