AITO: Strike will lead to BA job losses

The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) has slammed British Airways cabin crew for putting the airline and their own jobs at risk by staging a walkout later this month.

Unite union announced its intentions today to strike for three days from 20 March and for four days from 27 March.

AITO aviation committee chairman John Tangney said the strikes would tarnish the airline's reputation in the long term.

"Nobody will have much sympathy for the cabin crew, passengers will migrate to other airlines and the long-term result is that jobs will suffer; it’s a downward spiral for all concerned," he said.

"Does the Unite trade union not realise we’ve just been though one of the worst recessions in living memory? At least its members currently have jobs, unlike many in the travel industry. There are many hundreds of people who would love to be in the shoes of its members with a secure job.”

He said AITO members were getting ready to "work around the clock" to rebook customers on alternative flights.