13/05/2011

BA Cabin Crew Dispute Resolved?

Union members are meeting to consider an offer, which could bring an end to the long-running dispute between British Airways and cabin crew.

Unite union leaders are said to be "content" with what has been negotiated during talks with BA.

If the offer is backed at the meeting at Heathrow, a formal ballot of union members could be held within weeks.

The dispute began in 2009 over cost cutting and staffing levels on some long-haul flights but became further complicated over the loss of travel perks to striking staff.

The union also demanded the reinstatement of some workers sacked during industrial action.

The result was chaos for hundreds of thousands of passengers and an estimated £150m lost due to the disruption caused to BA.

After 22 days of strikes over the past 18 months, hopes are now raised that an end to the row is in sight.

Negotiations between the two sides resumed in March, when cabin crew voted in favour of a further round of industrial action, and have been going on for weeks.

A spokesman for the British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association - a branch of Unite - confirmed, "talks have now concluded to the satisfaction of both parties".

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, who has held talks with BA chief executive Keith Williams, will address a mass meeting of union members and the union leadership is expected to recommend they accept the offer.

If they do, a formal ballot will be held, with the result expected in July.

(JG/BMcC)

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