Pilots’ union Balpa ‘agrees BA job cuts deal’

| July 07, 2020, 08:31

An outline deal is reported to have been reached by the pilots’ union with British Airways over job cuts and changes to pay and conditions.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association is expected to ballot its members over job cuts and changes to pay and conditions this week and recommend they accept it.

Balpa told members in a letter seen by Sky News: “We can now advise that we have reached a position of understanding in respect of a deal with BA to address and close off the list of proposals outlined in the company’s S188 submissions (legal notice to the union).”

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No details have been formally disclosed, it is believed to include cuts to pay – but may result in fewer job losses than originally envisaged in the consultation.

BA had told staff that it may make headcount reductions of up to 1,130 pilots out of a stated total of 4,346 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The letter to pilots reportedly says the union will ballot members this week and the union will recommend they accept the deal.

“There will also follow details of the various elements that will form the proposal for a member consultation and our intention to recommend the package once finalised.

“On that basis, we envisage an all member ballot to open early next week.”

BA plans up to 12,000 job cuts – around a quarter of its workforce – across all parts of its business.

Balpa reached a deal with Ryanair last week that allows for a 20% pay cut for its UK pilots, restored over four years.

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