British Airways faces fresh strike threat as it rejects union offer

Unite announced that British Airways management has rejected the union's compromise offer aimed at ending negotiations about the reinstatement of travel perks (Telegraph/Financial Express/Daily Mail/Breaking News/Travel Weekly, 31-Aug-2010). Joint general-secretary Tony Woodley has advised union members of BA's rejection, which is likely to increase the probability of further industrial action. BA stated it remains committed to negotiations, which are due to restart at the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) next week.

Unite: "[Unite] has made what we regard as helpful proposals for both parties to go to conciliation on the outstanding issues, and has made substantive proposals regarding the return of full travel concessions within a time-limited period and the involvement of Acas in disciplinary procedures … The company [BA] advised that all these proposals had been turned down … The possibility of balloting you once more on industrial action, after discussion with your representatives, remains an option very much on the table." Tony Woodley, general-secretary. Source: Telegraph, 31-Oct-2010.

BASSA: "We are looking for the green light for a strike ballot next week, which would encompass the Christmas period and there is every likelihood we will be out then … It would be prudent for the travelling public to take this into account and make alternative arrangements to ensure their holiday travel plans are not wrecked … What we are trying to do is give people plenty of notice this time round. We are also trying to put pressure on BA by hitting their bookings during one of the busiest times of the year." Source: Duncan Holley, branch secretary. Telegraph, 31-Oct-2010.