Pilots union Balpa says its British Airways members are ready to call off their planned strike action next week – if BA is willing to get back round the negotiating table.
Balpa’s BA members are due to walk out on Monday and Tuesday next week (9-10 September) in a dispute over pay. The union, though, has written directly to BA chief executive Alex Cruz to put forward a new proposal after last week calling on him to intervene in the dispute personally.
Some 93% of Balpa’s BA members in July voted in favour of strike action on a 90% turnout. The union says its members could call off their action if BA agrees to negotiate.
However, Balpa says the strikes could still go ahead “if the airline continues to refuse meaningful discussions”.
General secretary Brian Strutton said: “Our members’ resolve is very strong and they remain very angry with BA, but they also want to leave no stone unturned in trying to find a resolution to their dispute.
“Avoiding strike action and agreeing a deal with their pilots surely must be the desired outcome for British Airways.
“We urge BA to join us to discuss the new proposal – which shows pilots are willing to be flexible, but still stand united in getting a better deal.”
TTG has approached BA for comment.