Business

British Airways pilots call off next week’s strike

British Airways pilots call off next week’s strike
no comments
0
0

British Airway pilots have called off the next strike which was meant to take place on September 27th. Last week a two day strike by the pilots’ union, Balpa, forced BA to cancel just about all its flights. The strikes were over pay and company benefits.

Editorial credit: Phillip B. Espinasse / Shutterstock.com

Balpa said the first strikes had “demonstrated the anger and resolve of pilots” and it “was now time for a period of reflection before the dispute escalates further and irreparable damage is done to the brand”.

The union’s general secretary, Brian Strutton, said: “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.

“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.”

British Airways (BA) had already started to cancel flights for September 27th. The airline has now said it will try and replace as many flights as possible. BA had offered pilots an 11.5% pay rise over three years in July, but this was rejected. British Airways said the proposal would mean senior pilots’ annual earnings would be more than £200,000, including allowances, after three years. However, the union said most pilots earned around half that amount, and wanted more after accepting cuts to pay and conditions, including pensions, during lean years. BA recorded profits of more than £2bn in 2018.

Skip to toolbar