British Airways crew threaten walkout

British Airways passengers booked to travel later this month or in February should watch this space for the latest reports, as cabin crews have threatened strike action.

Europe's third-largest airline, recently voted the best in the world, faces the prospect of fresh industrial action after more than 8,000 staff at one union backed a walkout.

The British flag carrier is confident that an amicable agreement can be reached, and a union spokeswoman has conceded that negotiation is likely to resolve the dispute.

Nevertheless, 96 per cent of cabin crew from the Transport & General Workers' Union (T&G) voted in favor of strike action yesterday (January 15) in a wrangle over current policies on sickness absence, pay structures, and pension plans.

"We are very disappointed by the T&G's threat of what would be completely unnecessary industrial action," read a British Airways statement, noting that management and union leaders would meet this week to discuss a resolution.

British Airways flies to 20 airports around the country from the United Kingdom, as well as four cities in Canada, and recently announced a reduction in its fuel surcharges due to a drop in oil prices.

The cut will make each transatlantic flight nearly $10 cheaper in each direction, bar journeys to San Francisco, which are excluded.

© Adfero Ltd