British Airways crew have scrapped plans for immediate strike action following a legal challenge to the validity of the union members’ ballot that took place in January. The development lends another twist to an already elongated story of clash between staff and British Airways over conditions, pay and the removal of staff perks.
Unite, which represents the cabin crew of the UK’s national airline, conducted ballot for industrial action in the month of January. BA, however, succeeded in persuading the Electoral Reform Society, an independent body that scrutinises such ballots, that there were sufficient issues with the ballot.
Terming the ballot as ‘illegal’, British Airways warned its staff to be ready to face dire consequences if they become part of any such ‘illegal’ strike.
Len McCluskey, Unite's new general secretary, was quoted by online resources as stating, "Unite therefore cannot call industrial action based on this ballot, since such a move would expose our members to sanctions by a bullying employer."
McCluskey also announced his plans of organising fresh ballot for strike action. He also alleged that the airline is not in interested in peace talks and is instead trying to outmuscle crew members using a legal battle.
BA has however refuted the charges. BA’s spokesman was quoted as stating, "Only Unite wants to continue this dispute. We shook hands on a deal last October but Unite reneged on it. The union does not have the support of the majority of our crew and it has lost 2,500 crew members since the dispute began."
Whatever maybe the case, one thing is certain that any fresh strike is surely going to be a cause of worry for all those travellers who have booked flight tickets early and have been lucky enough to get cheap tickets on flights. BA crew strikes in the past have created havoc at various London airports with number of flights getting grounded or delayed.
Strike Fear on Royal Wedding
As Unite gets ready to announce fresh ballot date, BA looks to place legal hurdles on its way in order to prevent its crew from going on a strike during the royal wedding.
The period of royal wedding and Easter is proving to be a peak season for the airline as number of holiday makers have planned to travel during the time. Many travellers have booked cheap tickets on flights well in advance.
Unite, which represents the cabin crew of the UK’s national airline, conducted ballot for industrial action in the month of January. BA, however, succeeded in persuading the Electoral Reform Society, an independent body that scrutinises such ballots, that there were sufficient issues with the ballot.
Terming the ballot as ‘illegal’, British Airways warned its staff to be ready to face dire consequences if they become part of any such ‘illegal’ strike.
Len McCluskey, Unite's new general secretary, was quoted by online resources as stating, "Unite therefore cannot call industrial action based on this ballot, since such a move would expose our members to sanctions by a bullying employer."
McCluskey also announced his plans of organising fresh ballot for strike action. He also alleged that the airline is not in interested in peace talks and is instead trying to outmuscle crew members using a legal battle.
BA has however refuted the charges. BA’s spokesman was quoted as stating, "Only Unite wants to continue this dispute. We shook hands on a deal last October but Unite reneged on it. The union does not have the support of the majority of our crew and it has lost 2,500 crew members since the dispute began."
Whatever maybe the case, one thing is certain that any fresh strike is surely going to be a cause of worry for all those travellers who have booked flight tickets early and have been lucky enough to get cheap tickets on flights. BA crew strikes in the past have created havoc at various London airports with number of flights getting grounded or delayed.
Strike Fear on Royal Wedding
As Unite gets ready to announce fresh ballot date, BA looks to place legal hurdles on its way in order to prevent its crew from going on a strike during the royal wedding.
The period of royal wedding and Easter is proving to be a peak season for the airline as number of holiday makers have planned to travel during the time. Many travellers have booked cheap tickets on flights well in advance.
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