19 March 2010

11th-hour talks to prevent BA strike

Last ditch talks between British Airways and Unite union bosses are reportedly being held to avert this weekend's strike by cabin crew.

BA's CEO Willie Walsh and Unite joint leader Tony Woodley met at the TUC headquarters in London yesterday (Thursday).

The talks were expected to resume today.

The first of two stoppages is due to start tomorrow (Saturday) and run for three days. A second walk out by cabin crew is threatened to begin the following weekend and last for four days.

News of the last-minute talks come as the vast majority of TravelMole readers called for the industrial action over cabin crew pay and working conditions be called off (see earlier TravelMole story).

BA placed full page adverts in national newspapers today with a message from Walsh saying: "It has been recognised by many this week that this unjustified strike will be a blow not only to our customers and to British Airways but also to Britain.

"I believe that Unite has made the wrong decision and misjudged the mood of our times".

Walsh said his door remains open to the union.

 by Phil Davies 

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• Congratulations to Willie Walsh
  
  

  To Mr W Walsh Congratulations. You have stood your ground and will service your customers with the contigency plans superbly. Well done. The unions and the participating strike employees need to be put in place. The message is loud & clear to all that unions & employees cannot bring down a company by silly & stupid actions. Once again well done Mr Walsh & keep the flag flying.

  By Dipak Shah, Saturday, March 20, 2010