14/12/2009

Christmas Strike By BA Staff

British Airways cabin crew have voted to strike for 12 days over the busy festive period.

Industrial action will commence on 22 December and run until 2 January. Staff, who are unhappy at job cuts and contract changes, voted overwhelmingly to support the walk-out.

Employees and bosses have been locked in ongoing talks, which centre on cost cutting measure introduced by the carrier amid falling passenger numbers.

Len McCluskey, Unite Assistant General Secretary, said the duty fell on him to make the strike announcement with "a heavy heart".

He said there was still a possibility the action could be averted through further negotiations.

The British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association said it was saddened by the decision, but felt there was no alternative.

"We are deeply saddened to have reached the point where we must take industrial action to get our voices heard, but feel that we have been left with no other choice," a statement read.

"We do not want to cause inconvenience, so even at this late stage we offer an opportunity for disruption not to occur."

Last month, British Airways unveiled plans to cut staffing levels by 1,200. Unions said they were not consulted on the matter.

BA also wants to reduce the number of cabin crew from 15 to 14 on all long-haul flights, and freeze pay for two years.

(PR/BMcC)

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