BA: ‘Unite’s strikes will fail again’

“Unite’s strikes have failed twice and they will fail again.” This was the statement from British Airways following the announcement that the Unite union had won its appeal, giving cabin crew members the right to strike. The union warned of more strikes should British Airways not “immediately” work with them to address outstanding issues. In a statement, Tony Woodley, Unite joint general secretary, said: "We are delighted to have won today. Justice has been secured. Had it not been, the right to strike would now be hanging by a thread. "BA must now accept that negotiation, not litigation, is the only way to secure the settlement we all want. However, further strikes will be unavoidable if the company does not immediately work with us to address the outstanding issues. "This is a pause for peace. Willie Walsh must make the most of it." British Airways said in a statement that it was very disappointed for its customers that Unite’s appeal had been upheld and that the union intended to go ahead with its “unjustified and pointless strikes”. “We will implement our contingency plan to keep British Airways flying. We are confident that thousands of cabin crew will ignore Unite’s strike call and help us fly more than 70 per cent of the customers who were booked to fly with us in the period targeted.” The airline said it would run a full programme at Gatwick and London City airports. At Heathrow the airline plans to operate 60% of its long-haul operations and more than 50% of its short-haul flights. “We have put forward a very fair offer that addresses the concerns Unite has raised over the last 15 months. We believe cabin crew would accept it if it was put to them in a fair and secret ballot.” Jeanette Phillips (jeanettep@nowmedia.co.za)