Cabin crew consider new BA offer
12.05.11
Members of BA's cabin crew will meet today to consider an offer that could end their long-running row, the BBC reports. It says that Unite union leaders are ‘content’ with a deal negotiated during talks with BA management. If those at a Heathrow meeting today back the offer, a formal ballot of union members could be held within weeks.
This dispute began in November 2009 in a row over pay and staffing on long haul flights, but the loss of travel benefits for all those who went out on strike and disciplinary action against some striking staff have since became key issues in one of the most bitter and prolonged industrial disputes of recent years. But a change of personnel at the top of both BA and Unite gave fresh impetus to resolving the row.
New talks got under way in March, after the cabin crew members voted in favour of a further round of industrial action. The BBC reports that the new deal covers the key disciplinary action and travel benefits issues, and would also lift the threat of any further disruption to BA flights this summer.
A spokesman for the British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association (BASSA)- the BA specific branch of Unite - confirmed that ‘talks have now concluded to the satisfaction of both parties’. Unite general secretary Len McCluskey, who has held talks with BA chief executive Keith Williams, will address a mass meeting of union members today and the union leadership is expected to recommend that they accept the offer. If they do, a formal ballot will be held, with the result expected in July.
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