British Airways and cabin crew union Unite have reached an agreement to end their long-running dispute.
Unite announced the deal following a meeting with cabin crew this morning and will put the details to a ballot of its members over the next month, with the union recommending acceptance.
In the meantime, the union has resolved not to call any industrial action at BA.
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, who led negotiations for the union, said: “We always said this dispute could only be settled by negotiation, not by confrontation or litigation.
“We are delighted to have reached an agreement which I believe recognises the rights and dignity of cabin crew as well as the commercial requirements of the company. This agreement will allow us to go forward in partnership.
“I am particularly pleased that staff travel concessions will be restored in full with the signing of the agreement.”
McCluskey paid tribute to the union’s cabin crew members, saying: “Their resilience, discipline and determination to be treated properly has been an inspiration to all who have worked alongside them in this dispute. They deserve this agreement and the prosperous future at British Airways I hope it secures.”
BA confirmed the agreement and said: “We are very pleased the threat of industrial action has been lifted and we have reached a point where we can put this dispute behind us.
“Our agreement with Unite involves acknowledgement by the union that the cost-saving structural changes we have made in cabin crew operations are permanent. We have also agreed changes that will modernise our crew industrial relations and help ensure this kind of dispute cannot occur again.”