BA and Unite union move closer to ending cabin crew dispute
May 12, 2011
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.