29/01/2007

BA strike averted at last minute

British Airways has announced that the planned 48-hour strike by cabin crew has been called off.

The management and union delegations returned today for a last ditch meeting this morning to emerge with a settlement.

However, the agreement has apparently come too late to see many of BA's flights on Tuesday and Wednesday reinstated, though an announcement by BA is expected later today.

Talks had previously been deadlocked with BA Chief Executive Officer Willie Walsh and TGWU General Secretary Tony Woodley's delegations failing to reach an agreement over sickness absence, pay and staffing levels at a marathon weekend meeting.

Today, the airline welcomed the end of the strike threat: "British Airways welcome the decision by the cabin crew branch of the TGWU to call off the strikes scheduled for tomorrow and Wednesday and for two 72-hour periods next month.

"As a result, British Airways will endeavour to reinstate as many flights as possible for tomorrow and Wednesday. Details will be announced later this afternoon."

(SP/KMcA)

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