BA cabin crew votes in favour of strike action

British Airways union members today (January 15) voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike to protest against the airline's sick leave, pay and staffing policies.

More than nine out of ten cabin crew members backed future industrial action, although a strike is by no means certain and the timing of any possible action has not yet been announced.

"BA cabin crew have voted to say the airline has gone too far," said the Trade and General Workers Union's (T&G) Jack Dromey.

"We will now meet with the BA managers and say we believe a new settlement is needed which recognises the strength of feeling of our members but also the strength of their concerns."

The T&G delegation will talk to BA tomorrow to discuss the cabin crew's concerns, which include sick leave policies, as well as pay grading and responsibility levels. The problems have been building up over the last two years, the union said.

British Airways responded by saying that "the leaders of the T&G cabin crew branch have created a worrying time for our customers and our staff".

However, the airline stressed that a strike is not inevitable and that all its flights are continuing to operate normally.

"In the event that a strike did take place, we want to minimise any disruption to our customers," said a BA spokesman.

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