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22/01/2007
Talks bid as BA strives to avoid strike
British Airways has contacted Acas in a move to avoid a three-day strike over pay and conditions.
The airline has called on the conciliation service to help avert a potential strike by members of the T&G cabin crew union.
The airline said it was willing to meet Acas officials at any time to explore means of resolving the dispute and removing the threat of disruption to the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers.
British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh said: "A strike would be completely unnecessary and unjustified. I am convinced we can settle the issues at the centre of this dispute through sensible discussion and negotiation.
"Unfortunately because of the nature of the demands put forward by the T&G cabin crew union in recent days, we have not yet been able to find a solution - or engage in the kind of positive dialogue we have achieved with other groups of employees."
Mr Walsh said: "We believe the answer must come through discussion, not confrontation - so we have asked Acas to assist us in taking the process forward."
The union had been in negotiations over several problems at the airline. Staff claim a new sick pay regime is forcing them to work while sick, and junior staff pay rates.
British Airways has said that it is trying to reduce high sickness levels which are above the UK average.
Several meetings took place last week but no outcome was agreed on Friday and the union side has accused the airline of a complete failure to engage in talks.
(SP/EF)
The airline has called on the conciliation service to help avert a potential strike by members of the T&G cabin crew union.
The airline said it was willing to meet Acas officials at any time to explore means of resolving the dispute and removing the threat of disruption to the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers.
British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh said: "A strike would be completely unnecessary and unjustified. I am convinced we can settle the issues at the centre of this dispute through sensible discussion and negotiation.
"Unfortunately because of the nature of the demands put forward by the T&G cabin crew union in recent days, we have not yet been able to find a solution - or engage in the kind of positive dialogue we have achieved with other groups of employees."
Mr Walsh said: "We believe the answer must come through discussion, not confrontation - so we have asked Acas to assist us in taking the process forward."
The union had been in negotiations over several problems at the airline. Staff claim a new sick pay regime is forcing them to work while sick, and junior staff pay rates.
British Airways has said that it is trying to reduce high sickness levels which are above the UK average.
Several meetings took place last week but no outcome was agreed on Friday and the union side has accused the airline of a complete failure to engage in talks.
(SP/EF)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
