Pilot union BALPA has called off a one-day strike by its British Airways members on 27 September, but is warning that further industrial action Is still possible unless the airline undertakes meaningful new negotiations.
The union says it called off the strike in order to allow for a period of reflection, and to prevent the dispute escalating to the point of causing “irreparable damage” to BA’s brand.
Previous industrial action that took place on 9-10 September led to the cancellation of nearly all BA flights and caused significant customer disruption.
Having “demonstrated the anger and resolve of pilots”, BALPA says it hopes that BA will now change its approach and negotiate seriously to end the dispute.
“Someone has to take the initiative to sort out this dispute and with no sign of that from BA the pilots have decided to take the responsible course. In a genuine attempt at establishing a time out for common sense to prevail, we have lifted the threat of the strike on 27 September,” states BALPA general secretary Brian Strutton.
“BA passengers rightly expect BA and its pilots to resolve their issues without disruption and now is the time for cool heads and pragmatism to be brought to bear. I hope BA and its owner IAG show as much responsibility as the pilots.”
BALPA says that in the absence of meaningful new negotiations it retains the right to announce further strikes.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
