BA cabin crew vote for more strikes

British Airways staff back industrial action but Unite leadership stops short of calling Easter strikes British Airways cabin crew have voted for strike action for the fourth time in less than 18 months as the long-running dispute between the carrier and Britain’s largest trade union rumbles on. The Unite union declined to name strike dates after another strong vote in favour of industrial action, which has punctuated peace talks between both sides. Unite said 5,811 crew voted for walkouts, with eight out of 10 employees who took part in the poll backing strikes. The result is marginally better than the third strike poll, which was scrapped this year following legal objections from BA. However, a softening of the rhetoric between both sides since the start of the year was reflected in statements by both sides. Len McCluskey, general secretary of Unite, declined to set dates for further walkouts, although the vote gives Unite a mandate to hold strikes over Easter and as soon as next week. BA has, in turn, pledged to operate all long-haul services during any walkouts. “This vote shows that cabin crew remain determined to win justice,” said McCluskey. “We urge BA’s boardroom to see this as a clear message that they must think again about how to regain the trust and confidence of a significant part of their cabin crew operation. We continue to be in discussions with the company to find a solution to this long-running dispute.” The dispute, which originated in unilateral staffing cuts by BA in 2009, has become an increasingly embittered standoff over sanctions against the thousands of crew who joined 22 days of walkouts. BA also softened its tone, declining to repeat its claim that less than half of the cabin crew workforce of 13,500 employees is in favour of walkouts. “This is a time for co-operation, not confrontation,” said BA. “We began talks with Unite earlier this month, and those talks are continuing. We hope they will bring an end to this dispute, which is what the overwhelming majority of our cabin crew want.” British Airways Airline industry Travel & leisure Unite Trade unions Dan Milmo guardian.co.uk

Posted by on March 28, 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.