More pilots’ strikes at British Airways have not been ruled out as the airline warned of continued disruption as it handles the knock-on effect of a 48-hour walkout.
The British Airline Pilots Association said as the two-day stoppage ended last night that further strike dates “will be considered” if airline bosses refuse “meaningful negotiation” over pay and conditions.
The union called on BA to return to talks “with something positive” to prevent the already announced action planned for September 27.
The two-day strike left almost 150 aircraft out of position, along with more than 700 pilots and 4,000 cabin crew, after almost all flights were grounded.
BA said: “We are working hard to get back to normal and to get our customers to their destinations.”
But it added: “The nature of our highly complex, global operation means that it will take some time to get back to a completely normal flight schedule so there will be a knock-on effect over the next few days.
“Due to the union’s strike action, nearly half of our fleet of over 300 aircraft and more than 700 pilots will start the day in the wrong place [on Wednesday].
“In addition, more than 4,000 cabin crew have had disruption to their rosters, and in many cases will be unable to operate again for several days due to legal rest requirements.
“We are offering all affected customers full refunds or the option to re-book to another date of travel or an alternative airline.”
Balpa described this week’s industrial action as a “powerful demonstration of the strength of feeling of BA pilots”.
The union urged the airline to return to the negotiating table “with some meaningful proposals” to try to avert the next scheduled strike on September 27.
“Should British Airways refuse meaningful negotiations, further strike dates will be considered by the Balpa national executive team.”
Balpa general secretary Brian Strutton said: “Surely any reasonable employer would listen to such a clear message, stop threatening and bullying, and start working towards finding a solution.”
BA said: “We have been discussing a new pay proposal with all our trade unions since November last year.
“We are pleased that the biggest unions, Unite and GMB, which represent 90% of British Airways staff, have agreed to recommend a generous offer of a 11.5% pay increase over three years.
“The deal has been rejected by Balpa, our pilots’ union.”
The airline added: “We will contact customers who are flying on or around 27 September, if they’re travelling on impacted flights.”