British Airways News Page 81
BA chief to meet Unite boss ahead of strike
The chief executive of British Airways, Willie Walsh, is to meet Tony Woodley, Unite’s joint leader, ahead of a proposed strike at the airline on Saturday. The meeting will be the first direct contact between the two leaders, and is being seen as a last chance to avert industrial action at the British flag-carrier.
British Airways improves strike schedule
British Airways has confirmed it will increase its flying schedule for the period of Unite’s strikes, following a decision by a “significant” number of employees to support of the company’s contingency plans. The airline had previously announced plans to fly 60 per cent of scheduled departures, with this number now expected to rise.
Unite seeks to internationalise British Airways dispute
The Unite union is expected to meet representatives from its American counterpart Teamsters later today, in an attempt to internationalise the ongoing dispute with British Airways. The first strike at the airline is planned for Saturday, with Unite potentially seeking to secure Teamster support to block BA aircraft landing in the US during the dispute.
BA plans protect 60 per cent of customers
British Airways has today published contingency plans to allow 60 per cent of customers to keep flying through Unite’s strike period of March 20, 21 and 22.
Unite urges British Airways to return to table
Unite has urged British Airways to return to the negotiating table in order to avert strike action planned for next week. Amid a growing chorus of criticism of its actions, Unite is asking BA to reinstate a formal offer made late last week.
British Airways announces strike contingency plans
British Airways has published plans allowing the airline to operate 60 per cent of its scheduled departures during Unite’s planned strike next week. Cabin crew at the airline will walk out for three days from March 23rd, but BA argues replacement staff, chartered jets and a higher than expected number of staff crossing picket lines will see a high percentage of flights depart on schedule.
British Airways expected to confirm cancellations
British Airways is expected to outline which flights will be cancelled, following a decision by the Unite union to strike later this month. Services from London City Airport and long-haul services from BA’s other London bases are expected to depart, while UK and European departures are likely to be hard hit.
British Airways announces tie-up with Meridiana and adds Florence route to network
British Airways and Meridiana-Eurofly have announced a new codesharing agreement on Meridiana’s services between London Gatwick and Florence.
Strike dates announced at British Airways
Cabin crew at British Airways have confirmed they are to strike later this month, as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions at the flag-carrier. Following months of negotiations, Unite this morning confirmed staff would walk out for three days from March 20th and for four days from March 27th.
British Airways employee charged with terrorism
A member staff at British Airways has appeared in court, charged with planning suicide attacks on the flag-carrier’s aircraft. Bangladesh-born Rajib Karim, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, faces three charges under the Terrorism Act, relating to activity over a four year period up to February this year.
Strikes imminent at British Airways as talks falter
British Airways was bracing for a lengthy strike by cabin crew this morning, as talks with the Unite union to resolve differences over pay and conditions broke down. While both sides offered compromises in the approach to yesterday’s deadline, TUC mediated talks were unable to reach a compromise over changes to pay and conditions.
Strike deadline approaches at British Airways
A deadline imposed by the British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association for resolution of talks with British Airways expires tomorrow, with the possibility of strike action at the flag-carrier increasingly likely.