Willie Walsh remains in charge of British Airways’ industrial relations and dealings with trade union Unite despite stepping down as chief executive.
BA confirmed Walsh would head any fresh negotiations with Unite although he now heads BA parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) formed in January following the carrier’s merger with Iberia. Former BA finance chief Keith Williams now runs the airline.
It had been thought Williams would take responsibility for handling the long-running dispute with cabin crew union Unite, which is poised to announce details of a fresh strike ballot and threatening renewed action in April.
However, a BA spokeswoman told Travel Weekly: “Willie Walsh has been working on the dispute all this time and he is going to carry on with it.”
The news signals no relaxation in the tough line BA has taken in dealings with the cabin crew union. Elements in Unite had viewed the change at the top of BA as a chance to reach a more favourable settlement, believing Williams would bring a more conciliatory tone.
BA has previously insisted there would be no change in its dealings with cabin crew under Williams, but made no mention of Walsh remaining in charge of negotiations.
The union is expected to announce details of the latest ballot today after revoking a previous cabin crew vote in favour of strikes last month when BA raised objections to the conduct of the ballot.
New Unite general secretary Len McCluskey has taken a harder line towards BA in his statements than predecessor Tony Woodley, but the union is believed ready to move away from calling strikes to organising a work to rule.
The dispute began in 2009 over reduced staffing on flights, but now centres on BA disciplinary action against union members and demands to restore lost travel concessions. Cabin crew struck on 22 days last year.