Tuesday 15 March 2011

British Airways and Unite ready for peace talks



British Airways and the union representing the airline’s cabin crew are set to make a fresh start in their peace negotiations before the closure of the latest ballot on strike action. Unite’s new general secretary, Len McCluskey, and BA’s new chief executive, Keith Williams, are both said to be keen to find a resolution over one of the longest running industrial disputes for decades.

In recent weeks, the animosity between the Union and BA seems to have calmed down somewhat with Williams having sent the carrier’s cabin crew a note saying he intends to have a positive relationship with his staff. McCluskey said that he found Williams’ sentiment towards that airline’s crew a refreshing one.

The dispute was sparked 18 months ago when BA announced it would be reducing the number of cabin crew on long-haul flights. The fight has since morphed into one about the reinstatement of travel perks, docking of sick pay and punishments meted out to those who took part in strike action.

Last year there were 22 days of walkouts which cost BA £150 million. Since then, the airline has introduced measures which will keep the level of disruption to passengers in the event of future industrial action down to a minimum.

The latest thawing in relations between the airline and the union is positive news for those wishing to take advantage of the Royal Wedding and the Easter break to go away on holiday. Although a positive vote from Unite members could see industrial action begin during the holiday period, union bosses have indicated it is unlikely.



By
Monika Jain



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