BA strike vote announced today
British Airways cabin crew will announce the result of their strike ballot today as the airline completes its merger with Iberia to create a new company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange on Monday morning.
The crew’s union Unite is expecting members to vote in favour of industrial action which could lead to strikes over the school half-term in February, during Easter and during the Royal wedding in April.
Unite must give BA seven days’ notice of strike action but union leader Len McCluskey said he hoped a vote in favour would prompt the airline to try again to resolve the long-running dispute which has already led to 22 days of strikes at a cost of £150m.
BA says its contingency plans mean that only some of its short-haul flights from Heathrow will be hit by any further industrial action.
The two sides are believed to have reached an agreement over pay and changes to working practices which prompted the original dispute, but they are now arguing over the loss of travel perks for those who took part in the earlier strikes, disciplinary action taken against some members of staff during the dispute, and also BA’s plans to take on new staff on lower pay.
The result of the ballot is expected to be announced this afternoon.
Meanwhile BA is expected to complete its merger with Iberia today and shares in the new holding company, International Consolidated Airlines Group, will be listed on the London Stock Market on Monday.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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