15/01/2007

BA staff vote in favour of strike action

Thousands of British Airways cabin crew have voted in favour of strike action is a row over sick leave, pay and staffing.

The Transport and General Workers Union said that over 96% of its members had voted in favour of a strike in a postal ballot which had an 80% turnout.

The result of the ballot was announced at a meeting between Jack Dromey, T&G Deputy General Secretary, and hundreds of cabin crew at Heathrow on Monday morning.

Crucial talks are now to be held on Tuesday between the union and BA management in an attempt to avoid a strike.

BA staff are upset over the way the company handles sickness absence, with workers complaining that they felt under pressure to turn up for work even if they are unwell. However, staff also have other concerns regarding pay grading and on-board staffing and responsibility levels.

Mr Dromey said: "BA cabin crew have voted to say the airline has gone too far. BA must rebuild the trust of its cabin crew by negotiating rather than imposing change and by listening to its staff rather than riding roughshod over their concerns.

"We will now meet with the BA managers and say we believe a new settlement is needed which recognises the strength of their concerns. This vote is nearly unanimous - the clarity of its message leaves no room for doubt - that is the best basis for reaching a good negotiated settlement in our discussions tomorrow with BA."

BA described the result of the ballot as "disappointing". In a statement, the company said: "The leaders of the T&G cabin crew branch have created a worrying time for our customers and our staff.

"We have arranged to meet T&G officials this week and we very much hope they will enter into meaningful discussion with us on the issues the union has raised.

"We hope the T&G grasps the opportunity to put aside threats of disruption and resolve their concerns through negotiation."

(KMcA)

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