Menu
17/12/2009
BA Strike Stopped By Court
A proposed 12-day strike by British Airways cabin crew was deemed illegal at the High Court today.
BA won an injunction against the action after claiming the union ballot wrongly included staff who were being made redundant.
Talks between airline bosses and union officials ended without a resolution yesterday.
The industrial action, which was due to commence on 22 December, had the potential to disrupt millions of air passengers over the festive period. This cannot now go ahead.
Unite, the union representing cabin crew, has long voiced its opposition to continued cut backs by British Airways.
On Monday, around 90% of those members balloted supported strike action.
However, BA claimed the vote was invalid as it included staff who were leaving the company and therefore would not be working for it during any strike.
Unite said it had sent a text message telling all staff leaving the carrier not to vote on the issue.
Around 1,000 cabin crew workers were expected to participate in the walkout.
Unite called the judgment a "a disgraceful day for democracy" and vowed to hold a fresh ballot.
British Airways said the decision would be welcomed by "hundreds of thousands of families in the UK and around the world".
"There was never any need for a strike and we hope that Unite will take this opportunity to reflect before deciding its next steps," a statement from the company said.
(PR/KMcA)
BA won an injunction against the action after claiming the union ballot wrongly included staff who were being made redundant.
Talks between airline bosses and union officials ended without a resolution yesterday.
The industrial action, which was due to commence on 22 December, had the potential to disrupt millions of air passengers over the festive period. This cannot now go ahead.
Unite, the union representing cabin crew, has long voiced its opposition to continued cut backs by British Airways.
On Monday, around 90% of those members balloted supported strike action.
However, BA claimed the vote was invalid as it included staff who were leaving the company and therefore would not be working for it during any strike.
Unite said it had sent a text message telling all staff leaving the carrier not to vote on the issue.
Around 1,000 cabin crew workers were expected to participate in the walkout.
Unite called the judgment a "a disgraceful day for democracy" and vowed to hold a fresh ballot.
British Airways said the decision would be welcomed by "hundreds of thousands of families in the UK and around the world".
"There was never any need for a strike and we hope that Unite will take this opportunity to reflect before deciding its next steps," a statement from the company said.
(PR/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 December 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.
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.
29 March 2010
Union Attacks BA Pilots
Unite, the union representing disgruntled British Airways cabin crew, has claimed the airline's pilots are now earning an additional £166 per hour. Unite said the pay changes makes them the world's most expensive on board staff.
Union Attacks BA Pilots
Unite, the union representing disgruntled British Airways cabin crew, has claimed the airline's pilots are now earning an additional £166 per hour. Unite said the pay changes makes them the world's most expensive on board staff.
10 May 2010
BA Strike 'Ready For Takeoff'
As if the airline industry isn't being hard hit already with volcanic ash closing airspace, leaders of British Airways (BA) cabin crew are now considering calling fresh strikes. The news comes after the rejection of a deal aimed at ending their long-running dispute.
BA Strike 'Ready For Takeoff'
As if the airline industry isn't being hard hit already with volcanic ash closing airspace, leaders of British Airways (BA) cabin crew are now considering calling fresh strikes. The news comes after the rejection of a deal aimed at ending their long-running dispute.
25 January 2010
BA Strike Vote Opens
Disgruntled British Airways cabin crew have begun voting on fresh strike action. Last month the High Court ruled a December walk-out by staff was illegal, prompting union members to reenter negotiations with BA management. However, Unite claimed the renewed talks had failed, and said it would ballot members from today.
BA Strike Vote Opens
Disgruntled British Airways cabin crew have begun voting on fresh strike action. Last month the High Court ruled a December walk-out by staff was illegal, prompting union members to reenter negotiations with BA management. However, Unite claimed the renewed talks had failed, and said it would ballot members from today.
26 March 2010
BA Prepares For Second Strike
British Airways will fly more than 75% of customers booked to travel between tomorrow and March 30, despite these four days being targeted for strikes by Unite. The airline said approximately 240,000 customers originally booked to travel in the strike period, the airline expects to fly more than 180,000.
BA Prepares For Second Strike
British Airways will fly more than 75% of customers booked to travel between tomorrow and March 30, despite these four days being targeted for strikes by Unite. The airline said approximately 240,000 customers originally booked to travel in the strike period, the airline expects to fly more than 180,000.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
