Pilots union withdraws OpenSkies objections
Pilots union BALPA has withdrawn from legal proceedings which could have threatened the launch of new British Airways transatlantic arm OpenSkies.
The union accepted in court that its ballot in support of industrial action was time-expired and gave an undertaking not to pursue any future ballot on the same issue, according to the airline.
BAPLA withdrew its action on the fourth day of trial – and halfway through the cross-examination of its BA branch chairman.
BA said: “We welcome the withdrawal of proceedings by BALPA, which represents acknowledgement by the union that the creation of our subsidiary, OpenSkies, poses no threat to the jobs, pay or conditions of mainline British Airways pilots.
“In January, we offered guarantees that OpenSkies would not be used to worsen the terms and conditions of BA mainline pilots. These guarantees remain in place.
“We are proud of the professionalism and high reputation of our pilots. We never wanted or sought a conflict with them.”
OpenSkies will operate its first flight from Paris to New York on June 19. Tickets went on sale today (see previous TravelMole story).
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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