Unite confirm 20 days of BA strikes; urge more talks
11.05.10
British Airways faces 20 days of strike action by cabin crew including during the Whitsun Bank Holiday and half-term school break. Football fans planning to fly out to the World Cup in South Africa could also be affected, with the last of the five-day stoppages beginning on the first weekend of the tournament.
Unite members rejected a fresh deal for cabin crew earlier this month. Four 5 day strikes, each separated by a 24 hour non strike day, are planned by the Unite union for May 18-22, May 24-28, May 30-June 3 and June 5-9. BA plans to run all flights from Gatwick and London City Airport as well as a ‘substantial part’ of its long haul network from Heathrow as well as services to all short haul destinations during the strikes.
In a statement, Unite's joint general secretaries Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley blamed BA for forcing cabin crew to again resort to industrial action. They said: 'There can be no industrial peace without meaningful negotiations and while management victimises trade unionists and uses disciplinary procedures in a witch-hunt.'
‘Passengers and investors alike will be dismayed that British Airways' management rejected an approach by the union over the weekend, after their offer had been comprehensively turned down by their own employees. Cabin crew are left with no choice but to take further strike action. The seven days notice period is sufficient time for BA management to do the sensible thing and reopen meaningful negotiations.’
Unite said it also intends to hold a further industrial action ballot of BA cabin crew over issues which have arisen from the company’s conduct during the dispute.
BBC employment correspondent Martin Shankleman said: ‘While the union says it is open to further talks, there is little sign that either side is prepared to make the concessions needed to end this bitter dispute.’
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