13/08/2004

BA check-in staff vote for strike action

British Airways (BA) could face chaos this month after check-in staff at the airline voted to strike an ongoing pay dispute.

GMB affiliated staff members voted by a majority of 53% - on a 48% turnout of its 2,600 member - to strike on August 18. The strike will coincide with a strike by the TGWU's baggage handlers and ground staff. The union represents 8,600 staff at the airline.

BA, which employs approximately 40,000 people in the UK, has urged its unions to continue negotiations following the ballot, adding that its offer is fair and reasonable in the current climate.

BA has offered a pay deal worth 8.5% over three years on pensionable pay or 10.5% over three years on non-pensionable pay.

The company is currently having to pay an extra £133 million a year in additional pension contributions to make up a £1.1 billion pension fund deficit, BA said.

Mike Street, BA's director of customer service and operations, called on unions not to inflict disruption and inconvenience to customers - adding that he remained hopeful of a resolution.

“Our number one priority is ensuring our customers can continue to look forward to their summer holidays," he said.

“We remain hopeful of a resolution. We continue to talk to our unions and we urge them to accept our offer of independent arbitration – they should have nothing to fear about the outcome.

“We believe our offer is fair and reasonable given the challenges facing our company. We already have the highest employment costs of any airline in Europe and must act responsibly to protect the jobs and futures of all our staff.”

(gmcg)

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