Unite to ballot BA crew on a fresh offer to avert strikes
BRITISH AIRWAYS (BA) cabin crew are to be balloted by trade union Unite on a recent offer from the airline that could put an end to the lengthy dispute.
The union handed out a ballot yesterday to the crew it represents on the latest package proposed by BA management, which includes two years of guaranteed rises in basic salary from February 2011 and annual incremental pay increases.
Unite said that it will not make recommendations to members on how they should vote, a move that has been widely welcomed by BA.
“Unite have said they will give the crew the chance to speak their own mind with respect to the offer that’s currently on the table from the company. I certainly think it’s positive that staff are being given the chance to express themselves in a confidential ballot,” said BA’s group treasurer George Stinnes.
The vote could take up to two weeks to complete, with Unite waiting on the result before it decides whether to take further strike action.
Meanwhile BA expects a decision later this month on whether regulators will allow its tie-up with Iberia and American Airlines.