News

A SECOND British Airways union has started ballot proceedings as the flag carrier warns strikes could threaten its long-term future.

The Transport and General Workers union plans to ballot its BA members after the latest round of wage talks broke down.

The GMB union has already begun balloting staff for industrial action and expects a result by August 13. Amicus is also canvassing

members over the pay deal and could get involved in action at a later date.

Strikes could start as early as the end of next month, affecting a key holiday period for the airline.

In a letter to employees, BA director of customer service and operations Mike Street warned strikes could threaten the airline’s future.

“Industrial action within BA would cause significant and serious damage to our company in terms of our reputation for customer service, our finances and ultimately our future.”

He added: “We cannot meet the unions’ pay claim which is worth an estimated 14.5% over three years - well above inflation.”

Street outlined BA’s critical pension situation. He said pension contributions had nearly doubled to £251 million a year - more than last year’s pre-tax profit - while revenues will only increase by 2%-3% a year (Travel Weekly June 28). A BA spokeswoman said: “We don’t want our customers to suffer a summer of misery and disrupted travel.”