BA cabin crew threaten Christmas walk-out
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The seemingly endless dispute between British Airways and the union to which many of its cabin crew belong has entered a new phase.
Unite, the union, has warned BA passengers that its members may strike over Christmas – a peak travel season. A spokeswoman for Unite said there would be a mass meeting of its members on September 6 to decide on future action, Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper has reported.
The British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association (BASSA) is also pushing for workers to strike during the holiday season to put maximum pressure on the airline.
The threatened action could impact on the number of passengers booking with BA, with many reluctant to contend with uncertainties over their travel arrangements during a busy time.
The rolling strikes have already cost BA millions of dollars.
BA cabin crew proposed 12 days of strikes last Christmas but the action was found to be unlawful in an 11th-hour court ruling.
The strikes were originally sparked by union protests over staffing levels on long-haul flights but the row has escalated as United objects to BA’s disciplinary action against striking workers.
Written by William Sykes
