British Airways Strike Threat on the Rise Again

According to reports, more than 80 British Airways cabin crew have been suspended and 13 sacked because of incidents related to a bitter dispute between the cabin crew and the airline. This new event threatens to erupt into more strikes in the coming months.

The Unite union said that the number of disciplinary cases taken against its members, following industrial action earlier this summer, was seriously complicating attempts to break the deadlocked row. This news follows warnings from the union that it is poised to seek backing for more strikes.

One spokesman for the union, said that the continuing rise in the number of unjustified suspensions and dismissals is seriously complicating any attempt to bring this long dispute to an end. In fact, this is just making things that much worse.

British Airways said that the vast majority of staff who have been suspended were now back at work. However, at least 13 have been sacked for some serious cases of misconduct, which are subject to appeal. Most of the suspensions have related to allegations from other employees of bullying and intimidation. It would be a dereliction of the airline’s duty of care as an employer to ignore this.

The airline carried on by saying that the investigation into any allegations are conducted under the company’s disciplinary procedures. This has already been in place for many years. It is fair, open and transparent and has been agreed on with the airline’s trade unions, which does include the Unite union.

Talks between the union and British Airways managers are expected to be held next week. Unite officials have warned that the fresh ballot for strikes could be held if there is no progress soon.