Strike ballot at BA to go ahead

Steve Turner from Unite: "It is about finding a mutually acceptable solution"

The Unite union will continue with a strike ballot of British Airways cabin staff despite its legal challenge to new working patterns being delayed.

Unite had sought a High Court injunction to have the changes blocked, but the full trial will not now go ahead until 1 February.

Unite said staff would "unwillingly" work the new schedules from this month, but it would still ballot for a strike.

The result of the strike vote will be known on 14 December.

'Fair and reasonable'

BA's planned changes will cut the number of cabin crew staff on its long-haul flights from 15 to 14, and are due to start from 16 November.

The company also proposes a two-year pay freeze. It says the changes are essential to its survival.

"Naturally, we are pleased that following today's court hearing, we are able to proceed with the changes we have announced to cabin crew working, which we have been discussing with Unite for the last nine months," said a BA spokesman.

"These changes are fair and reasonable, given our urgent need to reduce costs so we can move back toward profitability after two years of the worst financial losses in our history."

He added that "we urge Unite to withdraw its plans for an industrial action ballot".

Unite said it remained "very confident that the new contracts are unlawful, and we will be seeking damages for all of those working on crews which have had their numbers cut from November 16".

It added that it still believed it would be successful when the case returned to the High Court next year.