British Airways faces renewed strike threat

British Airways will face a renewed threat of strikes by its cabin crew when the result of a ballot is announced.

Around 12,000 members of Unite are expected to show strong support for industrial action.

They have been voting again on whether to launch a campaign of action in a row over jobs, pay and working conditions, including cuts in crew numbers.

The cabin crew were due to take 12 days of strike action over Christmas but British Airways (BA) won a legal challenge after it emerged that the union had balloted members who subsequently left the airline.

Unite lost a second legal case on Friday when it failed to argue that changes to working practices and reductions in crew numbers were unlawful.

The cabin crew voted by more than nine to one in favour of strikes last year in a huge turnout of over 80% and union officials are confident of another resounding ‘yes’ vote when the ballot result is announced.

The union will have to give seven days’ notice of any industrial action, raising the threat of strikes from March 1 although Unite has ruled out organising any stoppages over Easter.

BA has been training other staff, including pilots, to take the place of cabin crew if the strike goes ahead.

Source: Association Press