British Airways Continues to Struggle With Union Agreement

Although some British travelers were hoping that these latest talks between British Airways and the Unite union would end in agreement, reports now say that it did not. Now the airline is facing even further strikes by its cabin crew after failing to reach yet another agreement.

The conciliation service Acas said that they are, regrettably, unable to break the deadlock and move closer to a deal between British Airways and the Unite union. This, of course, paves the way for yet another strike ballot. If the cabin crew members vote in favor of industrial action, then a new wave of walkouts could take place in the first week of August. Unfortunately for travelers, this is dealing peak school summer holidays.

The company said that, at the present, there are no more plans to hold more meetings. However, they will stay in contact with both sides and are ready for more talks when they are. A spokesman for the union said that the they remain committed to finding a settlement which addresses its members’ concerns. They said that they would remain in touch with Acas and British Airways until they reach that end.

British Airways also admitted that they were ready for more talks. The industrial action has cost the carrier some £150 million. It recently said that passenger numbers were 14.2 percent lower in May than a year earlier.

Cabin crew have, so far, voted high in favor of strike action. During the last two votes 92.5 and 81 percent of their members voted in favor of strike action. However, the harsh reality of living on strike pay is causing some union members to return back to the office.