British Airways Prepares Itself For Industrial Action as Talks Break Down

British Airways now, once again, finds itself bracing the company for a lengthy strike by the cabin crew. This information came in just yesterday morning as talks with the Unite union and British Airways broke down. These talks have been over pay and working conditions.

Both sides reportedly submitted concessions as a midnight deadline grew nearer. However, they were still unable to produce a compromise as the deadline came and went. Due to this break down in talks, staff could now walk out as soon as next Friday, following the minimum notice period of seven days. Unite has to confirm its strike dates by March 15^th for the ballot to still count. The group has already pledged that the strike will not take place during Easter, like many experts had thought.

The TUC, who has been hosting the talks between the two parties, said that the two sides are unable to reach a compromise despite a prolonged period of negotiations. Both parties will be reflecting on their position, and the TUC will be in touch with both sides. However, it is unlikely that any other negotiations will take place.

The British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association has outlined plans to strike for ten days. This strike was approved in a ballot that was taken by 12,000 British Airways staff back in February. 81 percent of them voted in favor of the strike. Both sides have been in negotiations for months. The airline is currently seeking ways to cut costs by £60 million. To reach this, goal British Airways has cut the number of cabin crew members that fly on long haul flights, among other things.