13-May-2010 12:23 PM
British Airways appeals for staff to volunteer during strikes
British Airways CEO, Willie Walsh, made an appeal to staff to volunteer to keep the carrier operating during the Unite strikes during May-2010 and Jun-2010 (The Independent, 12-May-2010). The carrier expects to operate the majority of its long-haul operations from London Heathrow during the strikes and does not expect operations at London Gatwick to be affected. British Airways has reportedly already trained more than 1,000 volunteer cabin crew. Mr Walsh stated he would resist attempts to undermine the carrier through strikes (AP, 12-Amy-2010). It is estimated that the 20-day strike could cost the carrier up to GBP150 million (Bloomberg, 12-May-2010).