British Airways Christmas Strike Update
by Michele McDonaldUnite, the U.K. union that represents British Airways’ “mixed fleet” cabin crew (those hired since 2010) on Friday suspended its plans for a Christmas strike as it considers a revised offer from the airline. The offer will be put to the 2,700 mixed fleet members for a vote.
Unite had planned a 48-hour strike over Christmas and Boxing Day, a U.K. holiday celebrated on Dec. 26.
Last week, the union said “thousands” of the carrier’s mixed fleet cabin crew–those who have joined the airline since 2010 for lower pay rates–voted in favor of a strike action over what it called “poverty” pay.
BA responded, saying that U.K. law requires Unite to give at least seven days’ notice of any period of industrial action.
Mixed fleet cabin crew, which represent about 15% of the total, are based at Heathrow; flights operating from London Gatwick, Stansted and City airports would not be affected.

