BA and Unite union move closer to ending cabin crew dispute

Agreement comes after nearly 18 months of hostilities, including 22 days of walkouts, and will be debated by BA crew at Unite meeting near Heathrow airport British Airways and the Unite trade union have taken a significant step towards ending a long-running dispute with cabin crew after agreeing a peace deal on Wednesday. The agreement comes after nearly 18 months of hostilities, including 22 days of walkouts, and will be debated by BA crew at a Unite meeting near Heathrow airport on Thursday. Bassa, Unite’s main cabin crew branch, said in email to members: “The talks have now concluded to the satisfaction of both parties. “If the branch agrees, the negotiated settlement will be put to the full membership in a postal ballot.” The general secretary of Unite, Len McCluskey, is expected to recommend the deal in what would be a breakthrough for both sides. Two previous peace agreements were scrapped after Unite declined to recommend them amid ongoing concerns over sanctions against crew members who took part in strikes last year. It is understood the agreement restores staff travel perks stripped from thousands of crew who took part in the strikes, as well as allowing arbitration of the dozens of disciplinary cases – including sackings – that were linked to the dispute. BA’s worst-ever industrial relations dispute began in 2009 when the airline unilaterally reduced staffing levels on long-haul flights following a voluntary redundancy programme. Unite launched a strike ballot in protest at the cuts and the lack of consultation, triggering a year of high court hearings, strike votes and walkouts. But changes in leadership on both sides this year raised hopes of a deal being struck after Willie Walsh, BA’s former chief executive, moved upstairs to BA’s parent group and Tony Woodley, the joint general secretary of Unite, handed over the reins to McCluskey. In the most bizarre interlude in the peace talks between Walsh and Woodley last year, members of the Socialist Workers party broke into discussions at the Acas conciliation service. British Airways Airline industry Travel & leisure Unite Trade unions Dan Milmo guardian.co.uk

Posted by on May 11, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.