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BA strike to ground most flights BA strike to ground most flights
(10 minutes later)
Thousands of British Airways passengers will have to make alternative travel arrangements next week because of a two-day strike by cabin crew.Thousands of British Airways passengers will have to make alternative travel arrangements next week because of a two-day strike by cabin crew.
After the breakdown of talks with the union, British Airways (BA) said no flights will leave Heathrow on Tuesday, 30 January and Wednesday, 31 January.After the breakdown of talks with the union, British Airways (BA) said no flights will leave Heathrow on Tuesday, 30 January and Wednesday, 31 January.
All domestic and European BA flights to and from Gatwick will also be halted.All domestic and European BA flights to and from Gatwick will also be halted.
BA said it was "deeply sorry" that its customers were innocent victims. The dispute is over pay and sick leave.BA said it was "deeply sorry" that its customers were innocent victims. The dispute is over pay and sick leave.
'Warning for customers''Warning for customers'
The airline said it remained "absolutely determined" to negotiate a settlement with the Transport & General Workers Union (T&G) before next Tuesday.The airline said it remained "absolutely determined" to negotiate a settlement with the Transport & General Workers Union (T&G) before next Tuesday.
BA STRIKE Both short and long-haul flights are due to be affected96% of union members voted for the strike actionThe dispute is centred on pay and sick leave British Airways strike Q&A BA STRIKE DISRUPTION HEATHROWNo flights outSome long-haul arrivalsGATWICKNo domestic or European flightsUp to six of the nine long-haul flights will operateMANCHESTERFlight to New York operates normallyBA CONNECT AND OTHER FRANCHISED SERVICESNot affected British Airways strike Q&A
However, BA added that it wanted customers to have sufficient warning of its contingency plans for the strike days, to allow them sufficient time to make alternative travel arrangements.However, BA added that it wanted customers to have sufficient warning of its contingency plans for the strike days, to allow them sufficient time to make alternative travel arrangements.
"It is not too late for the T&G to call off this dispute and we will do all be can to reinstate some of the cancelled fights," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh."It is not too late for the T&G to call off this dispute and we will do all be can to reinstate some of the cancelled fights," said BA chief executive Willie Walsh.
After the breakdown of Wednesday night's talks, T&G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said that by rejecting the union's proposals BA had "failed to hear the voice of common sense".After the breakdown of Wednesday night's talks, T&G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said that by rejecting the union's proposals BA had "failed to hear the voice of common sense".
But Mr Dromey added that the union's "door remained open".But Mr Dromey added that the union's "door remained open".
'Sickness levels''Sickness levels'
Out of the airline's total 14,000 cabin crew, about 11,000 are members of the T&G, 96% of which voted for strike action.Out of the airline's total 14,000 cabin crew, about 11,000 are members of the T&G, 96% of which voted for strike action.
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 are also subject to dispute, with the union unhappy that the starting wage for staff is £10,000.Starter pay rates for crew members are also subject to dispute, with the union unhappy that the starting wage for staff is £10,000.