British Airways and pilots’ union Balpa have agreed to resume talks to avoid a threatened strike this summer.
The sides have been in talks at Acas (The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) since Wednesday afternoon in order to try and resolve the dispute.
Those talks continued on Thursday and Friday and both sides have agreed to resume talks this week, according to a statement issued on Friday evening.
In the meantime Balpa has said it will not announce any industrial action dates. “Balpa is still committed to finding a negotiated solution to this dispute,” the union said.
BA had taken legal action in an attempt to halt the strikes, which it claims are designed to cause “the maximum in disruption” and could cost the airline up to £40 million a day.
However, Lord Justice Davis, Lord Justice Hamblen and Lady Justice Simler dismissed the carrier’s appeal against a previous High Court ruling at the end of July.
BA insists its pay offer of 11.5% over three years is fair and has been accepted by members of the Unite and GMB unions.
However, Balpa said 93% of members had voted in favour of industrial action and accused BA of refusing the tackle and serious issue.
Balpa has to give 14 days notice of any strike.