Unite members vote for BA strike

British Airways faces yet further industrial action later this year after some cabin staff who are members of the Unite Union voted in favour of strikes.  The actual numbers make for interesting reading with union members now said to be only 10,200 out of a total complement of 13,500.  5,751 were in favour of walking out, that is 43% of the cabin crew.

In what is seen as a deliberate attempt to unsettle senior management Unite chose last Friday (21 January) to announce the figures, a “rest day” for both British Airways and Iberia shares, with IAG Plc, the combined operation, due to start trading on the London and Madrid stock markets today.  The company is hosted in London with Willie Walsh and his retinue based in the Compass building on the Bath Road actually overlooking the northern runway.

The airline has said that if a strike takes place it would expect to operate 100% of long haul and most European flights at Heathrow, as well as full schedules at Gatwick and City airports.  In the last rumpus volunteer staff and leased in aircraft and crew kept the schedules operating.  The overall effect this time around should be less with the public not so wary when looking at commitments far ahead, knowing that fares will rise unless booked and the alternative carrier not acceptable. www.ba.com www.unitetheunion.org.uk

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