Trade union Unite has said it intends to ballot members over the prospect further strikes beyond those announced today due to the conduct of BA during the latest dispute.
Around 50 BA workers have been suspended during the recent bout of industrial action which saw cabin crew walkout in March.
Unite today announced a fresh wave of strikes for May and June when cabin crew will strike for five four day periods.
Following that announcement Unite’s joint general secretaries Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley said:
“Passengers and investors alike will be dismayed that British Airways’ management rejected an approach by the union over the weekend, after their offer had been comprehensively turned down by their own employees.
“Cabin crew are left with no choice but to take further strike action. There can be no industrial peace without meaningful negotiations and while management victimises trade unionists and uses disciplinary procedures in a witch-hunt.
“The seven days notice period is sufficient time for BA management to do the sensible thing and reopen meaningful negotiations.”
BA, however, has slammed the decision by Unite to strike as having “no justification”.
“Unite’s officials continue to operate in their own world, showing callous disregard for our customers and their own members in all parts of our airline,” it said in a statement.
BA remained confident that it can operate a substantial part of its flying programme during the strikes including all flights from Gatwick and London City.
The biggest impact is likely to be on short-haul routes although BA said it will be operating some services to all its short-haul destinations.