British Airways bosses will resume last minute talks to avoid the 48-hour strike by thousands of British Airways cabin crewmembers’ union. The union comprises about 11,000 of the airline’s 14,000 cabin crewmembers.
Keeping the customers in mind, the Airline has already canceled 1,300 flights to and from London airports, to allow its customers time to make alternative travel arrangements.
BA’s chief executive, Willie Walsh, and the head of the Transport & General Workers’ Union, Tony Woodley, met yesterday to resolve the dispute. Neither side commented, but it is expected that progress had been made on some of the issues. As per the information, BA will pay cabin crew up to £200 to cover travel expenses if they brave the picket lines and go to work during the strikes, but BA representative defended the decision.
Analysts said that the strike action could cost the BA more than $29 million dollars each day.
The airline’s sick leave policy is the bone of contention. Before Walsh took charge, cabin crews were taking an average of 22 sick days per year, under a new absence policy, the figure has fallen to 12 days. Other issues under contention include salary and pensions.
The Union has threatened other walkouts on Feb. 5-7 and Feb. 12-14 if the dispute not resolved.
Via: Guardian
