British Airways loses court bid to stop pilot strikes over summer
British Airways has lost its bid to block pilots from striking later this summer over a pay dispute, in a result which could spell chaos for British holidaymakers.
The airline has been in talks with pilots in an attempt to stop them striking over the summer months.
After pilots voted to strike after rejecting a pay increase of 11.5 per cent over three years, British Airways took the case to the High Court earlier this month. After that was dismissed, the airline attempted to appeal the decision. The Court of Appeal today rejected the attempt.
The airline has said the pay rise is “fair and generous”. BA pilots will join Heathrow and Gatwick airport staff in striking this summer. Ryanair pilots are also in the process of deciding whether to go on strike.
Negotiating window ‘closing fast’
British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) chief executive Brian Strutton described British Airways’ actions as an attempt to “injunct this industrial action on a technicality”.
“BA’s attempt to defeat the democratic view of their pilots in court, rather than deal with us across the negotiating table, has sadly wasted huge amounts of time and money that could have been put into finding a peaceful resolution. Now the window for negotiation and compromise is closing fast.
“BA need to wake up to reality. Our ballot returned 93 per cent in favour of strike action. There is a serious issue here and BA has so far refused to help us tackle it.
Balpa has said BA’s recent profits mean its members deserve a better offer. So far it has not announced any strike dates because it wants to resolve the issue through negotiation.
The union will meet BA again at conciliation service Acas later today and for the rest of the week for “one last try” to resolve the dispute.
British Airways ‘disappointed’
A British Airways spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that the pilots’ union, BALPA, has chosen to threaten the holidays of thousands of our customers this summer with unprecedented strike action.
“We are very sorry for the disruption Balpa’s strike action will cause our customers. While no strike dates have yet been issued by Balpa, and they are required to give us 14 days’ notice of any intention to call strike action, we ask our customers to review their contact details by visiting ba.com, or by contacting their travel agent.
Read more: British Airways looks to avert disruption of pilot strikes during busy summer months
“We continue to pursue every avenue to find a solution to avoid industrial action and protect our customers’ travel plans.”
Main image: Getty