British Airways strike looms as last-ditch talks fail

LONDON, March 10, 2010 (AFP) - Talks to avert a strike by British Airways cabin crew over working conditions failed on Wednesday, raising the threat of a walkout as early as next week.

"Despite a prolonged period of negotiations it has not been possible to reach agreement between BA and Unite," said Brendan Barber, head of Britain's TUC labour federation, who chaired the talks.

Unite, which represents 12,500 cabin crew members at Britain's biggest airline, meets Thursday to decide dates for a strike.

Its leaders must give British Airways seven days' notice before a strike goes ahead -- meaning a walkout could come as early as March 18, although they have ruled out action over Easter.

Cabin crew voted 80 percent in favour of a strike around two weeks ago. Earlier plans to strike over the Christmas and New Year's holidays were thwarted by a court ruling.

British Airways, which has forecast a record loss in its current financial year, says it wants to review the working conditions of its cabin crew, who are paid more than counterparts at rival airlines.

Unite is protesting against imposed contractual changes that include fewer cabin crew on flights, a pay freeze, and different working conditions for new members of staff.

"Talks with British Airways concluded today without agreement being reached," Unite said. "Management's offer went nowhere near addressing our members' concerns over crew numbers and service levels."

For its part, the airline said it remained available for more negotiations.

Pilots at Germany's Lufthansa and air traffic controllers in France went on strike last month, amid growing unrest in the European aviation industry which has been hard hit by the economic downturn.


by Dan De Luce
© 2010 AFP