British Airways and Bmi both face legal action from the union Unite this week, which is planning to take the two airlines on in the High Court.
Unite is planning to lodge an appeal against BA’s withdrawal of travel perks from 7,000 cabin crew who went on strike earlier this year and at the same time challenge Bmi for its decision to defer agreed pay rises for 3,000 staff.
The union claims Bmi has reneged on a three-year pay deal, which was agreed in 2007. Although Unite members received pay rises in 2007 and 2008, the union claims staff agreed to defer a 4.75% rise due in April 2009 until March this year due to economic circumstances, but the airline, it says, has still not paid up.
Unite’s national officer, Brian Boyd, said: "Unite is lodging a high court claim against BMI because the company owes its employees a long overdue pay increase.
"Staff agreed to defer the increase to help the company during difficult times, they are still waiting for the company to honour its end of the bargain."
Unite said Bmi owed staff up to £6m, but it had said it would have to cut staff to afford the pay rises.
"Lufthansa – which owns BMI – is a huge airline, and employees need reward for their dedication and loyalty," added Boyd.
Bmi says negotiations are ongoing.
Meanwhile Unite is also planning to take British Airways to the European Court of Human Rights for its decision to reduce cabin crew on long-haul flights, saying the airline is in breach of contract.
BA says it has already been vindicated by the High Court and it will continue to fight Unite.
By Linsey McNeill
