Airline staff ballot over strike

A holiday operator faces strike action at the height of the summer season as the Unite union prepares to ballot more than 600 cabin crew over pay.

A ballot will be held in July which could see Monarch Holidays staff walk out at Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Luton and Dublin.

Brian Boyd, of Unite, said: "The firm faces a crippling strike at the height of the holiday season."

Monarch said rises were "unachievable" in the economic situation they faced.

The union wants the airline to pay a lump sum to its members instead of giving them a pay rise, which it says they are prepared to defer until next year.

It also wants the airline to pay cabin crew an extra allowance while they are in the air, similar to one currently paid to pilots.

Pay talks

Mr Boyd said: "The requests of our members are reasonable and are in line with similar negotiations with other industry operators.

"They represent a practical compromise given the prevailing circumstances.

"There is no doubt the aviation sector is experiencing difficult times, all the more reason for Monarch to work with Unite to find a practical solution to this dispute."

A company spokesman said: "Monarch Airlines confirms that it is currently in discussion with the cabin crew trade union regarding pay and benefits for its cabin crew.

"Given the current economic situation and its impact on the aviation industry, pay increases and additional benefits for employees are unachievable at the present time.

"Monarch senior management continues to work with the cabin crew trade union to resolve this matter as quickly as possible in the interests of its customers and all other employees."