ACAS puts forward fresh BA dispute proposals
13.06.10
New proposals to end the dispute between BA and its cabin crew have been put forward by arbitration service ACAS, and fresh talks are expected early this week. The move comes amid reports that the Unite union does not expect to be able to secure support for another strike from 'demoralised' cabin crew, who accept that BA management have won the bitter battle and will not back down.
ACAS's chief conciliator, Peter Harwood, said yesterday it is a ‘very damaging dispute for all concerned’. He said the timing and location of the meeting would be kept secret after previous talks were broken up by protestors. Which usually means they are at a Heathrow hotel !
The news comes as the Daily Mail reports 'demoralised' cabin crew believes the airline's chief executive Willie Walsh has won the battle over working conditions and perks. The Unite union does not expect to secure support for another strike, and has slowed down the balloting process. It says union sources have indicated it could take weeks before another ballot is held, allowing 'skint' cabin crew to recover financially before pushing for more strikes.
A Unite spokesman welcomed ACAS's move, adding that there was ‘no wisdom in a protracted conflict’. A spokesman for BA said: ‘It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time. The process is continuing. We do not give a running commentary on our discussions with Unite [a dig at the union, which does!].’
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