| British Airways strike: Could Unite back down? |
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| UK Economic | |
| Written by Sam Coventry | |
| Tuesday, 16 March 2010 11:12 | |
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Speculation this morning that the strike is not a done deal. The British Airways strike could yet be averted, this according to press reports that Britain’s biggest trade union offered on Monday night to suspend its planned action. It is believed that a British Airways (LON:BAY) strike would hit 30,000 passengers a day from Saturday, and with new pressures coming from Government the Unite union appears to be softening its stance. Unite says it would look at calling off the walkout if the airline reinstated a settlement proposal withdrawn last week. However, according to the Times management has not intention, at this stage, to put the offer back on the table. Unite’s offer now raises the pressure on Willie Walsh, BA’s tough-talking chief executive, who has warned cabin crew that a strike would not ground the carrier and has recruited 6,000 volunteers to ward off the impact of industrial action, the FT reports. A change in Unite's position could partly arise from new pressure emanating from the Government. Yesterday Prime Minister Gordon Brown unequivocally condemned the action suggesting it was not in the Government interest. Of course this has got the morning press talking about a potential rift between the Labour Government and Unite, who happens to be Labour's largest financial backers. Meanwhile British Airways has suggested that it will try to honour seat bookings for the duration of the strike. Check-in and baggage allowances will operate as normal. However, other services such as pre-ordered special meals and children's meals will be suspended. No in-flight duty-free goods will be on sale. 
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 16 March 2010 11:15 ) |