British Airways Strike Enters Its Second Day

The strike by British Airways cabin crew has entered its second day, with both sides claiming the advantage.

The Unite trade union said half of BA’s 250 planes had been grounded on the first day of the three-day stoppage.

But BA says it reinstated flights as so many worked, adding that 97% of cabin crew due to show up at Gatwick did so on Saturday, as did half at Heathrow.

The dispute centres on job cuts and a pay freeze. Another four-day stoppage is planned to begin on 27 March.

Unite insisted 80% of its 12,000 members had supported the first day of the walkout – the first by BA cabin crew in 13 years.

The union said BA’s Terminal 5 at Heathrow was like a “ghost town”, adding that the airline contingency plans were failing.
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Strike of British Airways Cabin Crew Will Continue

The upcoming three-day strike planned by British Airways cabin crew is fast approaching, but the air carrier and the union representing the flight attendants have not yet reached an agreement. BA and Unite, though, are still holding talks in an attempt to avert the industrial action.

BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh gave a new offer to Unite Joint General Secretary Tony Woodley, but the latter turned down the offer.

Walsh has estimated that just the threat of a strike caused BA to lose $41 million (27 million pounds) and 103,000 passengers.

If both parties would not reach an agreement, the first phase of the strike consisting of three days will begin Saturday and will last until Monday. The next phase would cover four days, from March 27 until 30.
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Strike of British Airways Cabin Crew Has Begun, Thousands Of Passengers Stranded

British Airways cabin crew have started a three-day strike that is set cause severe disruption for thousands of passengers.

The BBC’s Chris Rogers was on a BA flight from Heathrow to Amsterdam on Saturday morning.

Terminal 5 was teeming with stewards acting as guides for thousands of BA staff who have volunteered to replace striking cabin crew, the stewards were there to guide them though their first day on the job.

The airline has assured passengers the volunteers have been fully trained for the job.

I was a passenger on one of just a few scheduled flights with BA cabin crew who did turn up for work.

The three-man team told me they decided to cross the picket line and were allocated on the flight to Amsterdam.

One worker – who didn’t wished to be named – said he may regret it “but he and other colleagues were thinking about the long term effects the strike would have on the company”.
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