A summer of disruption for holidaymakers moved a step closer yesterday after British Airways pilots voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, saying that the airline had refused to change its position despite three days of intense negotiations.
Ninety-three per cent of the 4,000 BA pilots who are members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) backed action on a turnout of 90 per cent over a pay dispute. About 500 BA pilots are not members of the union. Strike dates have yet to be announced by the union, which must give two weeks’ notice before taking action.
The airline responded by seeking an injunction in the high court today to prevent any strike action. Negotiations between the two sides are suspended because of BA’s legal move, although Balpa said that it would be open to further talks. If the airline fails to get an injunction, strike action could take place from August 6.
The potential pilots’ strike is the latest in a series of industrial actions affecting flights over the summer.
It may coincide with a series of strikes at Heathrow by Unite union members over a pay dispute for 4,000 workers including security guards, engineers and passenger service staff. Easyjet staff at Stansted are expected to walk out in a separate dispute, while workers at Gatwick are balloting for industrial action. Ryanair pilots are due to ballot on strike action this week.