BRITISH Airways pilots are set to strike on three separate days in September.
The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has today given notice to the airline that its members are intending to strike on September 9, 10 and 27.
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British Airways pilots, represented by British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), originally confirmed that they would go on strike in July.
The ballot for the strike started last month after negotiations over pay stalled.
BA failed their initial bid to block the strikes, and lost again after an appeal.
BALPA said on August 2 that it was still in talks with BA – however these have since broken down, leading to strike action announced for September.
BALPA have also warned that more dates could be announced between now and January, forcing more uncertainly on the airline’s passengers.
A statement from BALPA explained that it is the first time they will be going on strike.
They explained: “Over several days of ACAS talks BALPA put forward a number of packages that we believe would have resolved this dispute without a strike, and which we could have recommended to our members for acceptance prior to strike action.
“BA did not accept any of these packages, and it is clear following discussions with members over the last few days that BA’s most recent offer will not gain the support of anywhere near a majority of its pilots.
“In these circumstances, with a 93 per cent vote in favour of taking industrial action, and with no prospect of any further meaningful talks, we have no choice but to call this action.
“Our ballot is valid until January, and more dates may be announced until such time as this matter is resolved.”
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They added: “A day of strike action will cost BA around £40m. Three days will cost in the region of £120m. The gap between BA’s position and BALPA’s position is about £5m. Our proposal remains on the table should BA wish to reach agreement prior to strike action.
“British Airways is an extremely profitable and successful company, and pilots have been proud to play their part in that. In 2018 the company announced profits of £2bn.
“Over recent years BA pilots have made sacrifice after sacrifice to assist the company such as taking a pay cut, productivity increases, closing the final salary pension scheme, giving up annual leave days, a new rostering system, and reducing flying pay.”
However, British Airways have slammed the decision, saying it was “destroying the travel plans of tens of thousands of our customers”.
They added: “We are extremely sorry that after many months of negotiations, based on a very fair offer, BALPA has decided on this reckless course of action.
“We are now making changes to our schedule. We will do everything we can to get as many people away on their journeys as possible.
“However, it is likely that many of our customers will not be able to travel and we will be offering refunds and re-bookings for passengers booked on cancelled flights.”
Travellers on CityFlyer routes, as well as SUN-AIR and Comair flights will not be affected.
They said: “Our proposed deal of 11.5 per cent over three years is very fair and well above the UK’s current rate of inflation, and by contrast to BALPA, has been accepted by the members of the Unite and GMB trade unions, which represent nearly 90 per cent of all British Airways colleagues including engineers, cabin crew and ground staff.
“In addition to basic pay, pilots also receive annual pay increments and regular flying allowances.”
Ryanair pilots are currently on strike – although passengers have still been able to fly as planned.
Heathrow Airport were forced cancel 172 flights this summer due to strike action.
However, they reinstated them at the last minute when the strike was called off, leaving passengers out of pocket after rebooking their tickets.
