British Airways employees have balloted on strike action in a potential walkout which could disrupt the flights of thousands of UK travellers this summer. Express.co.uk previously reported on the proposed ballot with three unions – representing 40,000 staff across pilots, cabin crew, ground staff and engineers – having joined forces for the first time to reject a pay deal. The proposed disruption would hit UK airports hard this summer during what is the busiest time for flights. British Airline Pilots’ Association, BALPA, yesterday confirmed the industrial ballot had been sent out.
A spokesperson for BALPA told The Sun Online: “There has been no progress in our dispute with BA, in fact they have withdrawn their pay offer so there is nothing on the table for pilots.
“Therefore we’ve had no choice and today the industrial action ballot has been sent out.
“BALPA regrets the uncertainty for passengers and we will be doing everything we can to resolve this without disruption – but that depends on BA reciprocating.”
BALPA has said it would ballot members for a full walkout, with the current strike ballot set to last a month.
The pilots’ union represents nine in ten BA pilots meaning large numbers of aircraft would have to be grounded should they walk out.
If a resolution cannot be found, pilots could be joined in their strike by cabin crew and ground handlers.
Previously, a spokesperson for BA told Express.co.uk: “We believe our pay and benefits for pilots are among the best in the industry, with around 1,000 applications from pilots who want to move to us from other airlines every year.”
BA pilots are paid an average basic salary of more than £150,000 a year, plus an hourly rate when they fly.
Meanwhile, easyJet check-in employees, employed by Stobart Aviation at London’s Stansted Airport have until July 2 to vote on a potential strike.
They are also involved in a dispute over pay conditions.
Unite regional officer Mark Barter has insisted the walkout will cause “severe disruption” for passengers.
He added: “A major bone of contention is that, while workers employed by other companies at Stansted are being paid up to 20 per cent more for doing the same job, our Stobart members work unpaid overtime, experience staffing issues and lack of basics, such as drinking water during their long shifts.”
An easyJet spokesperson insisted passengers would not be affected by plans.
They stated: “If industrial action is confirmed we will have contingency plans in place so that there would be no impact on our passengers.”
A spokesperson later told Express.co.uk: ““easyJet is aware of the proposed ballot on industrial action by Unite for check in staff at London Stansted Airport.
“If industrial action is confirmed we will have contingency plans in place so that there would be no impact on our passengers.”
UK travellers have already suffered airport chaos this year with closures and strikes to Aberdeen and Luton Airports.
Express.co.uk has gone to BA for comment.
