BA staff vote on deal to end industrial dispute

Thursday, 21st October 2010

Cabin crew at BA are likely to vote on a proposed agreement to end the long-running industrial dispute. The vote could come as early as next week. According to the Press Association, sources say that union leaders think there has been sufficient progress in the extensive negotiations held over recent months so their members can be balloted.

Thousands of Unite members are expected to cast their votes in the ballot, likely to be held next week. The results of the voting should be known by the middle of November. If staff vote to accept the proposed deal, it would see the end of a year-long dispute.

The row between British Airways and cabin crew was originally sparked by the carrier’s attempts to cut costs. However, the disagreement escalated after BA disciplined Unite members and suspended travel concessions for those who took part in a strike.

Union leaders and the airline have been involved in more than 50 hours of negotiations. The talks, held at conciliation service Acas, often involved Willie Walsh, CEO of British Airways. If union members reject the deal, Unite would have to hold a new round of voting before any further industrial action could take place.

← Strike action expands across France
→ Manchester airport ends charging for full car park
↑ October 2010 news index

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