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16/12/2009
BA Opens Talks With Union
British Airways and union officials have agreed to talks aimed at averting a walk-out by cabin crew over the festive period.
Unite is expected to meet with airline bosses later this afternoon, but the 12-day strike action, due to commence on 22 December, remains in place. However, BA has pledged to challenge this decision through the courts.
Cabin crew said they were taking the industrial action over continued cut backs by the carrier and changes to contract terms.
Union officials have welcomed the new phase of negotiations.
It is believed a ruling on the legality of the strike could come as early as today.
BA claimed the ballot contained "irregularities" which could make the vote invalid.
Chief executive Willie Walsh said the airline would do everything possible to protect its customers.
"We do not want to see a million Christmases ruined," he said.
On Monday Unite said 92% of its voting members supported the strike action.
The union said it had an 80% turnout, representing 12,500 cabin crew members.
Unite joint general secretaries Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley have criticised BA's approach to the rift.
According to the men, they had approached the carrier with a compromise last week which was flatly rejected.
Both sides are due to meet at 3pm today.
(PR/BMcC)
Unite is expected to meet with airline bosses later this afternoon, but the 12-day strike action, due to commence on 22 December, remains in place. However, BA has pledged to challenge this decision through the courts.
Cabin crew said they were taking the industrial action over continued cut backs by the carrier and changes to contract terms.
Union officials have welcomed the new phase of negotiations.
It is believed a ruling on the legality of the strike could come as early as today.
BA claimed the ballot contained "irregularities" which could make the vote invalid.
Chief executive Willie Walsh said the airline would do everything possible to protect its customers.
"We do not want to see a million Christmases ruined," he said.
On Monday Unite said 92% of its voting members supported the strike action.
The union said it had an 80% turnout, representing 12,500 cabin crew members.
Unite joint general secretaries Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley have criticised BA's approach to the rift.
According to the men, they had approached the carrier with a compromise last week which was flatly rejected.
Both sides are due to meet at 3pm today.
(PR/BMcC)
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Fresh BA Crew Ballot
British Airways cabin crew will hold a fresh ballot on possible industrial action, the Unite union has confirmed. Officials said a vote will be held after the latest round of talks with BA management failed to produce a resolution. Cabin staff are angry at a change in working conditions and mooted job cuts.
Fresh BA Crew Ballot
British Airways cabin crew will hold a fresh ballot on possible industrial action, the Unite union has confirmed. Officials said a vote will be held after the latest round of talks with BA management failed to produce a resolution. Cabin staff are angry at a change in working conditions and mooted job cuts.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains mainly dry overnight with a touch of frost or fog patches possible in places. However, cloud is expected to increase towards dawn with the odd light shower. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
