BA deal “within touching distance”
British Airways has declared that it is “much more confident” that strike action over the Bank Holiday weekend can be averted, following talks with union bosses.
As reported, both the GMB and TGWU unions have voted for industrial action next weekend, after rejecting the carrier’s pay offer. British Airways then offered staff a £1,000 bonus – as long as they have less than 17 days’ sick leave over a two-year period.
Now, following an eight-hour session of talks yesterday, both sides are suggesting there may be a way to avoid strikes, which would doubtless bring chaos to the UK’s airports.
British Airways’ director of operation Mike Street said: “I am much more confident. I hope we can bring this to a satisfactory conclusion.”
Sky News, reporting the story, quotes Ed Blisset, chief negotiator for the GMB, as saying: “We have made significant progress and I am very hopeful of reaching a resolution to this dispute. We are within touching distance of a deal, though there is still a little way to go.”
Meanwhile, baggage handlers and check-in staff working for United Airlines have voted to strike over pay.
The online news provider Ananova reports that several hundred members of the TGWU union will strike for 24 hours from 4.30pm on 27 August. The union reportedly predicted that the strike will have a “severe impact” at Heathrow.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
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