12.03.10
Unite, the union representing the overwhelming majority of BA's 12,000 cabin crew, plans to announce strike dates this morning, the BBC reports. The union said yesterday that £10million stands between the carrier and itself striking a deal and averting this strike.
Unite has to give at least 7 days' warning of any strike action, meaning strikes may possibly begin starting Friday 19 March. It must strike before Monday 22 March for its present strike mandate to remain legal and avoid the need for an additional ballot. The announcement will come at a press conference at 11:00.
A spokesperson for Unite insisted yesterday the £10million disparity in the cost savings its plan offers in comparison with the amount BA says it can make from changes already imposed can be achieved through allowing further staff to transfer to part-time employment, but said BA was contesting the validity of the amount.
The union has pledged to not strike over Easter in the dispute over pay and staffing levels. BA said it was ‘available for talks at any time’. The airline plans to hire 23 fully-crewed planes from charter companies to help carry on flights from Heathrow in the event of a strike, and is training other staff to fill in for striking cabin attendants.
One educated guess yesterday suggested that as many as 7000 cabin crew will not strike, and BA has confirmed that flights from London City airport, including long-haul connections to New York, would operate normally, while 70% of flight attendants will work at Gatwick, meaning all long-haul and 50% of short-haul services would not be affected.
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