26/03/2010

BA Prepares For Second Strike

British Airways will fly more than 75% of customers booked to travel between tomorrow and March 30, despite these four days being targeted for strikes by Unite.

The airline said approximately 240,000 customers originally booked to travel in the strike period, the airline expects to fly more than 180,000.

"A further 18% have been rebooked to travel on other carriers, or changed the dates of their British Airways flights to avoid the strike period. Several thousand customers have brought forward their departures to today," said a BA spokesman.

During Unite's first round of industrial action last weekend, almost 60% of rostered cabin crew ignored the strike call and reported for work, according to BA.

Willie Walsh, British Airways' chief executive, said: "The vast majority of British Airways staff, including thousands of cabin crew, are pulling together to serve our customers and keep our flag flying.

"At the same time, I feel really sorry for those customers whose plans have been ruined by Unite's completely unjustified action. Despite the union's promises, this strike has affected the Easter holiday plans of thousands of hard-working people."

Unite, the union representing disgruntled BA cabin crew, today congratulated its members of last weekend's action.

"Let us assure you that we are working night and day to find a way to reach a decent agreement with British Airways to bring this dispute to a speedy resolution," a union spokesman told workers today.

"However, there is no reason to anticipate that we will secure such an agreement before the second scheduled strike action, to run for four days from this Saturday.

"It is vital that you show continued commitment to our cause, and to gain the respect from your employer by supporting this strike."

Unite added: "Any agreement to end this dispute must and will include a framework for the full restoration of those travel concessions.

"Secondly, the company has vindictively acted to dock pay from crew not just for days taken on strike, but in some cases for longer periods, significantly impacting on your income."

(PR)

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