It seems British Airways Pilots are set to go out on strike, with a mandate from its membership to go take action and a challenge by the airline to stop the strike taking place failing in the courts.
The industrial action lead by BALPA comes after 93% of its members voted for industrial action – with a 90% turnout
With the High Court throwing out the case, BALPA can ask its members to take industrial action from two weeks notice British Airways has the right to appeal this decision at the Court of Appeal.
In quotes
BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said:
“This strong result demonstrates the resolve of BA pilots, and shows BA that it must table a sensible improved offer if a strike is to be averted. Sadly three days of ACAS talks have not moved the company’s position one iota. Settlement of this dispute is in BA’s hands.
“We do not wish to inconvenience our customers which is why we have tried to resolve this matter through negotiation starting last November – it is BA who has regrettably chosen to drag this out into the summer months.”
British Airways state
We’re very disappointed that the pilot union, BALPA, has chosen to disrupt our customers’ travel plans – including the summer holidays of thousands of families and friends – with potential strike action.
We have yet to receive strike dates from BALPA, so there are no changes to our schedule at this time.
Our proposed pay offer of 11.5 per cent over three years is fair, and the Unite and GMB trade unions, which represent nearly 90 per cent of British Airways staff, have already recommended this offer to their members.
We’re pursuing every avenue to find a solution to protect your travel plans and we urge BALPA to return to talks as soon as possible.
We’re very sorry for the disruption this potential strike action will cause.
Chances of strikes happening: Increased
With the high court challenge thrown out, the threat of strike action looms larger than it did on Monday when this story initially broke. It’s been building for some time, with the pilots union more than unhappy.
Both BALPA and British Airways have not confirmed any potential strike action dates.
It’ll be down to BALPA if they wish to go on strike and what the potential costs of it are.
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