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Result of BA strike talks awaited Result of BA strike talks awaited
(about 3 hours later)
British Airways and the Transport and General Workers Union are due to reveal the outcome of last ditch talks aimed at averting a strike.British Airways and the Transport and General Workers Union are due to reveal the outcome of last ditch talks aimed at averting a strike.
On Thursday evening BA chief executive Willie Walsh and T&G boss Tony Woodley met to try to head off next week's two-day action by cabin crew.On Thursday evening BA chief executive Willie Walsh and T&G boss Tony Woodley met to try to head off next week's two-day action by cabin crew.
Mr Woodley is to meet cabin crew representatives this morning.Mr Woodley is to meet cabin crew representatives this morning.
More than 140,000 BA passengers face potential travel chaos on Tuesday 30 January and Wednesday 31 January.More than 140,000 BA passengers face potential travel chaos on Tuesday 30 January and Wednesday 31 January.
Sick leave rowSick leave row
If the strike goes ahead, all flights from Heathrow airport will be cancelled, as well as all domestic and European BA-operated flights to and from Gatwick.If the strike goes ahead, all flights from Heathrow airport will be cancelled, as well as all domestic and European BA-operated flights to and from Gatwick.
BBC business correspondent Russel Hayes said he understood that BA has been pushing for the union to agree to go to the arbitration service Acas, something which it has strongly resisted.BBC business correspondent Russel Hayes said he understood that BA has been pushing for the union to agree to go to the arbitration service Acas, something which it has strongly resisted.
BA STRIKE DISRUPTION HEATHROWNo flights outSome long-haul arrivalsGATWICKNo domestic or European flightsUp to six of the nine long-haul flights will operateMANCHESTERFlights to New York will operate normallyBA CONNECT AND OTHER FRANCHISED SERVICESNot affected British Airways strike Q&ABA STRIKE DISRUPTION HEATHROWNo flights outSome long-haul arrivalsGATWICKNo domestic or European flightsUp to six of the nine long-haul flights will operateMANCHESTERFlights to New York will operate normallyBA CONNECT AND OTHER FRANCHISED SERVICESNot affected British Airways strike Q&A
Mr Hayes said both sides again stressed that they were committed to resolving the dispute before any strike.Mr Hayes said both sides again stressed that they were committed to resolving the dispute before any strike.
At the same time each is arguing that the other is being unreasonable in the dispute over pay and sick leave.At the same time each is arguing that the other is being unreasonable in the dispute over pay and sick leave.
BA has said it wants customers to have sufficient warning of its contingency plans for the strike days, to give them enough time to make alternative travel arrangements.BA has said it wants customers to have sufficient warning of its contingency plans for the strike days, to give them enough time to make alternative travel arrangements.
Passengers due to travel on one of the strike days can either change their flights to another date, at no extra charge, or else gain a full refund.Passengers due to travel on one of the strike days can either change their flights to another date, at no extra charge, or else gain a full refund.
New rulesNew rules
In all, 1,300 BA flights will be cancelled over the two days.In all, 1,300 BA flights will be cancelled over the two days.
Out of the airline's 14,000 cabin crew, about 11,000 are members of the T&G - 96% of whom voted for strike action.Out of the airline's 14,000 cabin crew, about 11,000 are members of the T&G - 96% of whom voted for strike action.
HAVE YOUR SAY It is the travelling public that suffers from disruptions due to industrial actions such as these Diana, Johannesburg Send us your comments Profile: Willie WalshHAVE YOUR SAY It is the travelling public that suffers from disruptions due to industrial actions such as these Diana, Johannesburg Send us your comments Profile: Willie Walsh
They have complained that a new regime on sickness pay, introduced 18 months ago, means they are forced to work when they are ill.They have complained that a new regime on sickness pay, introduced 18 months ago, means they are forced to work when they are ill.
BA insists the measures were needed to cut high levels of sickness absence.BA insists the measures were needed to cut high levels of sickness absence.
Staff now take an average of 12 days sick leave each year - down from 22 days before the new rules were brought in, the airline says.Staff now take an average of 12 days sick leave each year - down from 22 days before the new rules were brought in, the airline says.
Starter pay rates for crew members, overall pay grading and promotion opportunities are also subject to dispute, with the union unhappy that the starting wage for staff is £10,000.Starter pay rates for crew members, overall pay grading and promotion opportunities are also subject to dispute, with the union unhappy that the starting wage for staff is £10,000.
The union also wants the introduction of a single pay arrangement for cabin crew staff, rather than the existing two tier system, with staff who joined after 1997 being paid less than those employed before that date.