British Airways strike: Cabin crew walk-out enters final day
Cabin crew walkout at British Airways enters final day as union threatens further strike action
Wednesday, 09, Jun 2010 11:49
By Sarah Garrod.
A walkout by cabin crew working for British Airways (BA) has reached its final day today, following weeks of disruption.
The final day of three five-day walkouts marks the 22nd day this year cabin crew have gone on strike at the airline, in a long-running dispute over pay and working conditions.
The airline and union Unite look no closer to reaching an agreement on the dispute, and the latter has threatened yet more strike action if a resolution is not found.
The most recent strikes have been centred on a dispute between Unite and BA chief executive Willie Walsh's discussions over the removal of travel perks for striking staff. Joint general secretary of Unite Derek Simpson wrote on his Twitter page yesterday: "We have said it many times Willie doesn't want to settle at BA that is why he has used his ridiculous stance on travel to block progress
"Passengers and the public should wise up to Willie .. BA shareholders should take note too ..."
The union said this morning that it estimated the 22-day strike had cost the airline £154 million. It also announced that Len McCluskey, Unite assistant general secretary, will address cabin crew at 13:00 BST. The union said in a statement: "He will praise crew for their dignified stance throughout the dispute in the face of unprecedented intimidation by BA management."
Meanwhile BA said: "We are very disappointed that Unite are continuing to take strike action up to June 9th.
"We will continue to do all we can to minimise the disruption to you."