BA calls negotiators over pay row

British Airways says it has asked the conciliation service Acas to intervene in a bid to reach a deal with unions on jobs and pay.

Talks between BA and the Unite and GMB unions over cost savings at the airline have so far failed to reach agreement.

BA wants staff to accept a two-year pay freeze, according to documents seen by the BBC.

The company had already announced it was looking for 3,000 redundancies among crew and administrative staff.

"It has not proved possible to conclude an agreement with the trade unions on our pay and productivity discussions by the deadline of 30 June," BA said.

"We have therefore asked the conciliation service ACAS to facilitate any future meetings we may have."

BA is struggling as the economic downturn continues to hurt its business. It recently asked staff to work for nothing to save money.

BA is also pushing for significant changes in working conditions.

'Unrealistic'

The Unite and GMB unions have said they are seeking "a mutually acceptable way forward which protects the long- term interests of our members, loyal BA customers, investors and the company".

Last week, British Airways said 800 workers had volunteered to work for nothing for up to a month, following the airline's request to cut costs.

Another 4,000 employees are taking unpaid leave, 1,400 people have volunteered to work part-time and a further 740 overseas workers have also agreed to the cost-cutting measures.

The airline had put the proposal to 40,000 staff.

BA chief Willie Walsh has already agreed to work unpaid in July, forgoing his month's salary of £61,000.

Unions said asking staff to work for nothing was "unrealistic".

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
BA
BALPA
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites