BA To Defy Strikes

British Airways are planning to run at least half of its flights from Heathrow airport during the first of the four, five day walkouts by cabin crew, which starts next Tuesday. Amazingly none of the flights at Gatwick and London city airport will be affected according to BA.

The airline says that 60% of its long haul and 50% of its short haul flights will operate as normal as they dig in deep over the pay and conditions row with union Unite. The four five day strikes will have one day between each strike but as the damage will already be done it is basically a 20 day strike.

BA contingency plans are to hire 8 aircraft from other rival airlines along with pilots and crew, whilst its short haul flights will be catered for by it’s own staff. While it has also made arrangements with 50 other carriers to re-book its passengers onto alternative flights if need be.

BA CEO Willie Walsh has called for the Union to call off the strikes and think of the job security of its members. Both parties have called for more talks but have yet to materialise.