BA in talks with union to avert strikes

British Airways (BA) is to resume talks with the Unite union about averting industrial action.

BA‘s 12,000 cabin crew members have vowed to take industrial action over cost-cutting measures, which include a pay freeze and a switch to part-time working for thousands of staff.

Cabin crew members were scheduled to take 12 days of strike action over the Christmas period but the High Court ruled that the Unite union had not correctly included the votes of some cabin crew who had already accepted voluntary redundancy under the airline’s cost-cutting programme.

BA has admitted in the past that it is fighting for its survival and said the cost-cutting programme is part of a strategy to reduce salary costs.

However, should today’s talks end without a resolution, the Unite union could decide to name strike dates immediately.

Unite will have to give seven days notice of any strike action – which could begin as early as March 17.

However, the union has said it will not disrupt services over the Easter period.

A statement on behalf of both sides said: “It had been hoped to be able to conclude the talks today [Tuesday] but both sides have agreed that more time is needed and the negotiations will be resumed again under TUC auspices tomorrow [Wednesday].”

Meanwhile, further travel disruption is expected after Network Rail, the owner of Britain’s rail tracks and stations, has warned that industrial action could take place over the Easter weekend.

Maintenance workers and signallers at the RMT union are being balloted over job losses and changes to working conditions.

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