BA summer strikes loom after pay talks break down
Peace talks aimed at preventing a strike by British Airways’ pilots this summer have failed.
The pilots’ union BALPA said the two days of discussions at the conciliation service ACAS had ended without an agreement.
Pilots have rejected a pay increase worth 11.5% over three years, which the airline says is "fair and generous".
A strike ballot among pilots closes on July 22. If pilots vote in favour of strike action they would have to give BA two weeks’ notice, meaning the earliest strike date could be August 5, in the middle of the school summer holidays.
BALPA general secretary Brian Strutton said: "It is bitterly disappointing that despite two full days at ACAS we are still no further forward. BALPA tabled options for resolution but BA was not prepared to negotiate so there was no progress at all and no point continuing. Until BA changes its attitude there is little prospect of talks resuming."
If the union calls a strike it could cause severe disruption as BALPA represents about 90% of the airline’s pilots.
In a statement, the airline said: "We are disappointed that BALPA has walked away from conciliation talks with ACAS.
"We remain open and flexible to fin a solution to proect hard-working famlies looking forward to their summer breaks."
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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