With just days to go before strike action starts, British Airways’ chief executive Willie Walsh and Unite leader Tony Woodley are deep in talks to try and come to an amicable agreement for both sides. The talks are taking place at the TUC headquarters in London, and many anxious businessmen and holiday-makers are waiting to hear the results to see if their flights will run as scheduled.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown even stepped into the war of words earlier this week, declaring the strike action “unjustified and deplorable”. British Airways says the cost-cutting plans that have caused the unions to become upset are a necessary evil if the airline is to survive in these economically troubled times. A settlement proposal was withdrawn by British Airways when Unite decided to press ahead with strike action, although the union has now decided to enter last-minute talks to discuss withdrawing their strike plans.
Unite’s assistant general secretary, Len McCluskey, thinks British Airways have been underhand with their negotiations so far. “Cabin crew under the management of Willie Walsh have been victims of a disgraceful witch-hunt. The bullying and harassment… shows the lengths BA will go to gag and intimidate cabin crew and destroy trade unionism.”
It awaits to be seen if a last minute deal can be struck…
Tags: airport, british airways, strike action, tony woodley, unite, wille walsh