A costly pay dispute involving 85 days of strike action by British Airways cabin crew has been resolved.
The Unite union said so-called mixed fleet crew – operating long and short-haul flights out of Heathrow – had voted “overwhelmingly” to accept a new offer.
At the centre of the row was the union’s claim that the crew involved – who all joined the airline after 2010 – earned considerably less than their regular BA counterparts.
It said that they would now get pay rises worth up to almost £3,000 annually by March 2018, though the amounts would depend on several factors including experience.
In addition, the union said the airline had agreed to return 2017 bonus scheme entitlements and travel concessions.
Image: BA leased Qatar Airways aircraft and crew to minimise disruption to passengers
The dispute caused little disruption for passengers.
This was because BA managed to juggle bookings at times of weaker demand, though it was forced to fork out millions to lease aircraft and crews to maintain services during the peak summer holiday season.
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: “A great deal of credit should go to Unite members and their shop stewards in British Airways’ mixed fleet for their determination and solidarity in securing this settlement.
“Through thick and thin Unite members stuck together to secure a decent pay rise and a just resolution to this long running dispute.
“Not only does this pay deal start to seriously address long standing concerns on low pay in British Airways’ mixed fleet, but it also shows that it pays to be a member of a union and of Unite.”
BA responded: “We are pleased the dispute has been resolved.”
Source: Sky