Monday, May 31, 2010

Talks fall apart between BA and union, fresh five-day strike begins

British Airways travellers can expect more disruptions to their journeys as talks between British Airways executives and the union representatives have fallen apart, signalling the second wave of industrial action.

Following close on the heels of a five-day walk-out by Unite members last week, the union is launching a fresh round of strikes starting Sunday and set to run until Thursday the 3rd of June.

"Now on day 13, the £7m-per day strike is costing BA at least £91m. Unite says it is "unreasonable" that BA is blocking a deal by refusing to move on the no-cost item, staff travel concessions," said the union in a statement.

Talks between the two parties are understood to be focusing on the reinstatement of travel perks for union members who had the benefits stripped away in the first round of strikes. Both sides are blaming the other for the collapse in talks.

British Airways is claiming that it will be able to fly more services during this round of strikes due to "more cabin crew than expected" deciding to show up to work.

Long-haul services from Heathrow will increase 10% up to 70% of services, which short-haul services will increase by 5% up to 55%.

London City and Gatwick Airport will continue to operate as per normal.
"At this stage British Airways expects to fly more than 75 per cent of customers who hold a booking between May 30 and June 3. This equates to around 65,000 customers flying each day," says the airline.


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