British Airways and Unite to hold talks with fresh blood

British Airways and the Unite trade union, which represents cabin crews, are preparing to hold talks before the end of the union's ballot on 28-Mar-2011 (The Guardian/Bloomberg, 13-Mar-2011). Both parties reportedly believe new leadership is necessary, and new BA CEO Keith Williams has stated his preparedness for a "fresh start" with the union's new general secretary, Len McCluskey. Mr Williams stated he remains "hopeful" about striking a deal with cabin crew after the carrier's pilots approved a labour agreement that includes a pay raise. The two-year pilot accord, which includes a 4% pay award in the first year and second year compensation to be based on productivity, won support from 95% of those voting, according to BA.