Unite has given British Airways seven days notice of its intention to ballot crew members over possible strike action during Easter 2011.

In the latest stage of its ongoing battle with the airline the trade union is seeking the immediate restoration of travel concessions lost during earlier strikes and restoration of all earnings docked from crew off sick during strike dates.

UCAS arbitration of cabin crew disciplinary cases related to the original dispute is also on the Unite agenda.

“British Airways knows what it must do to end this dispute,” said outgoing Unite joint general secretary, Tony Woodley.

The ballot will begin on Tuesday, closing on January 21st.

“Unite is still open to talks but BA must appreciate the strength of feeling across the airline about how badly they’ve handled this dispute,” continued Mr Woodley.

“BA must get serious and work with us to settle the issues before us.”

British Airways

British Airways, which has become increasingly stinging in its criticism of Unite in recent weeks, branded strike action “grossly disproportionate”.

“We have put forward very fair proposals that enable our existing Heathrow crew to remain the best rewarded in the UK airline industry,” added a statement from the airline.

“Despite the difficult economic conditions we have faced, we have made savings in ways that have avoided compulsory redundancies.”

The airline went on to argue it had struck a deal with Unite in October, which the union subsequently reneged on, while also accusing the union of being “dysfunctional”.