Unite votes for British Airways industrial action

British Airways' cabin crew, represented by Unite, announced (22-Feb-2010) its members have voted overwhelmingly for strike action, in the long-running dispute over changes to crew numbers and working practices. 80.7% all balloted members voted yes to industrial action. The union has not announced dates for industrial action, but it is expected to be held during Mar-2010. Industrial action proposed by Unite over 12 days during the 2009/2010 Christmas & New Year period was ruled illegal by a UK High Court. British Airways has already moved ahead to impose a pay freeze on cabin crew and introduced new contract terms for new crew members, including a lower rate than established crew. It has also reduced the number of long-haul cabin staff from 15 to 14. Estimates for strike action put the cost as high as GBP25 million per day. [more - Unite]