British Airways hopes to head off the threat of a strike by cabin crew in the new year, with chief executive Willie Walsh meeting Transport and General Workers’ Union (T&G) trade union leader Tony Woodley on Monday in an effort to avert a ballot.
The cabin crew section of the T&G, British Airlines Steward and Stewardesses Association (Bassa), is due to begin a strike ballot on Thursday December 21 that could lead to a walk out in late January.
The union blamed BA for the dispute, claiming a “serious breakdown in industrial relations”.
It said the airline was imposing changes in work practices that include forcing staff to turn up for work when unwell.
T&G regional secretary Steve Hart said: “While profits and share prices rocket, cabin crew have seen terms and conditions attacked. They do not take this decision lightly.”
BA described the decision as “disappointing and unwelcome”. A spokesman said: “In other areas of the business, it has been possible to introduce changes by working with staff.”
Passengers of BA at Heathrow Terminal Four suffered delays on Saturday as baggage handlers adapted to changed working practices as part of the same process.
The airline’s cabin crew last went on strike in summer 1997, when a one-day walk out caused serious disruption, cost the airline millions and marked the beginning of the end for the airline’s chief executive at the time, Bob Ayling.
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