23rd February 2010
Frantic efforts are being made to avoid a "deeply damaging"
strike by British Airways cabin crew after they voted
overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action last night.
A showdown is expected between leaders of the Unite union and BA
managers following the strike vote in a bitter row over jobs and
working conditions.
Unite will hold a series of internal meetings over the next few
days before deciding whether to set strike dates.
The union will have to give seven day's notice of any strikes to
the airline, which has been training other staff, including pilots,
to replace cabin crew if action is held.
The cabin crew arm of Unite, The British Airlines Stewards and
Stewardesses Association, have indicated that they may demand a
12-day strike over the busy Easter period in order to cause maximum
disruption to thousands of holidaying families.
One staff member posted on the BASSA website: "Let's send a
clear message - strike over Easter and a lengthy one at that.
Sometimes you have to play dirty."
However, Unite have assured that an Easter strike will be
avoided and have stressed that it is committed to striking a deal
rather than pressing ahead with strike dates.
More than 80% of Unite members who voted in the ballot said yes
to industrial action on a turnout of 78%.
Unite said 7,482 of its members voted in favour of action, with
1,789 voting against.
Len McCluskey, assistant general secretary of Unite, said: "With
this overwhelming vote in the teeth of BA harassment and media
misrepresentation, BA's cabin crew have made clear that the deep
sense of grievance they feel about their treatment by their
employer remains."
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