19/02/2010

BA Wins Union Legal Fight

British Airways had welcomed a High Court ruling in favour of employee contract changes.

The action was brought by workers' union Unite. It claimed staff had not been properly consulted on cut backs.

BA had frozen pay conditions and reduced long-haul flights.

Unite members were forced to halt a planned industrial action for December. A court found the picket would be illegal.

Mass disruption to Christmas travellers was avoided.

A new Unite strike ballot is ongoing, and will close on 22 February.

BA has threatened to withdraw company perks from staff who partake in the action.

The airline said it was "extremely pleased" with today's legal outcome.

"Unite's central demand over the last three months has been that we reverse these changes, despite the severe financial impact this would have on the company at a time when we are facing a second year of record annual losses," said a BA spokesman.

"Unite’s arguments as to why the changes should be reversed have been considered in great detail by the Court – and rejected.

"The modest changes we made to onboard crew numbers on flights from Heathrow were reasonable, did not breach crew contracts and can remain in place."

The spokesman added: "Unite brought this case to court. We believe it should reflect on the Court’s decision rather than impose an unnecessary strike on the travelling public."

Talks are continuing between both sides under the auspices of the TUC.

(PR/GK)

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