British Airways faces strikes this summer after ground and cabin crew backed industrial action in a pay dispute.
Unite, which represents 16,000 airline workers, says it secured a 97% majority in an advisory vote
The threat comes on top of ongoing cancellations and delays, caused by post-pandemic staff shortages, that have plagued many airlines and airports.
Unite says the disruption is “self-inflicted” and caused by the Covid layoffs.
“For anyone who has flown on British Airways recently, this overwhelming result of the advisory vote will come as no surprise,” a spokesperson said.
“British Airways management can no longer ignore the universal discontent of its own staff, in the same way that it has ignored the needs of its own customers.
“Despite BA claiming hundreds of millions of pounds in furlough pay from the government, thousands of experienced staff have been made redundant and simply not replaced. A self-inflicted shortage of check-in staff, loaders, baggage handlers and cabin crew now means that instead of soaring post-covid, BA’s return to the air faces a bumpy landing.
Unite said the results of the advisory ballot mean it can now proceed to a full ballot if talks fail.
A BA spokesman said: “This is not a ballot for industrial action, and while that is not surprising given the problems in the transport sector, it is disappointing.
“After two deeply difficult years which saw the business lose over £4bn, we have consistently offered payments to our colleagues for this year. We remain committed to open and honest discussions with our unions about their concerns.”
Separately, Ryanair could face a Spanish crew strike later this month and in July.
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.independent.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-14 16:08:32
