British Airways fails to block pilots strike
British Airways has failed in its attempt to block strike action by its pilots this summer.
BALPA successfully defended an application for a High Court injunction brought by BA in relation to its strike ballot of members.
"While we’re pleased with the judge’s decision, we’re frustrated that time has been wasted. BA could have spent this time coming back to the negotiating table instead of trying – and failing – to tie us up in legal knots," said BALPA general secretary Brian Strutton.
"This delay will now continue with BA seeking to appeal against the Hight Court’s decision.
"As a result it’s now likely the talks scheduled with ACAS on Friday will have to be postponed.
"We ask that BA thinks hard about why 93% of our members feel so strongly about taking strike action. The company itself has admitted that even one day of strike action would cost more than what our pilots are asking for, so the ball really is in their court here, to look after their pilots and ensure the hardworking public get to continue their holidays as planned.
"Although legally clear to do so, we have still not set any strike dates to give BA one last chance to commit to negotiating on pilots pay and rewards with us at ACAS later this
BA said it was ‘very disappointed’ with the decision.
"We will continue to pursue every avenue to protect the holidays of thousands of our customers this summer," it said.
"Our proposed pay offer of 11.5% over three years is fair, and by contrast to BALPA, the Unite and GMB trade unions, which represent nearly 90 per cent of all British Airways colleagues, have already recommended the same pay offer to their members.
"We remain open to working with BALPA to reach agreement, which we have been doing since December, and we urge BALPA to return to talks as soon as possible."
It is believed an appeal will be heard within a week.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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