National News

BA cabin crew strike for third day

© Press Association 2011

2:52am Monday 22nd March 2010

British Airways cabin crew have begun their third day of strike action as airline management and union leaders continue their war of words.

Unite and BA clashed over the impact of the first two days of a three-day walkout, giving different statements about the numbers supporting the action.

On Sunday, joint leader of the union Tony Woodley called on BA chairman Martin Broughton and "sensible" directors to intervene in the dispute.

He said he was certain that the vast majority of Unite members had taken industrial action, adding: "Contrary to the spin from the company about this strike collapsing, only nine cabin crew have broken ranks and 80 have gone sick.

"I am now appealing to the BA chairman and sensible members of the board to use their influence, put passengers first, and return to the negotiating table for the good of everyone. It is quite obvious this strike is in no-one's interest. We need a negotiated settlement."

But BA said it had reinstated a number of cancelled flights this weekend after more crew than expected turned up for work.

A spokesman said that as of 6pm on Sunday, 97.6% of Gatwick crew had reported to work as normal and 52% of Heathrow crew.

Posting a video statement on YouTube, BA chief executive Willie Walsh said there had been a "good atmosphere" among BA staff at Heathrow on Sunday, and claimed a large number of cabin crew had turned up for work.

He added: "We promised we would keep BA flying, that's exactly what we've done. I'm delighted that so many people in British Airways have come together to make sure that we keep the flag flying."

The three days of strike action end on Monday, but a further four-day walkout planned from next Saturday.

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