British Airways cabin crew vote to strike over pay

British Airways cabin crew have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in a row over pay.

Union Unite said it is urging BA to return to the negotiating table and engage with the union in a meaningful way or more than 2,500 crew members could go on strike after 21 December.

Unite noted that cabin crew employees who have joined the company since 2010 are earning less than their peers.

A recent survey by the union found that half of BA’s mixed fleet members had taken on second jobs on their days off just to make ends meet, with over two thirds going to work unfit to fly because they could not afford to be off sick.

In addition, 84% said they had suffered from stress and depression since joining the airline due to their financial circumstances.

Unite regional officer Matt Smith said: “Our members have overwhelmingly voted for strike action because British Airways’ pay rates are indefensible and the crew are at breaking point. The airline’s boss Willie Walsh has pocketed £8.8 million and the parent company IAG reported profits of £1.4 billion.

“Not only are the pay rates indefensible but in aviation, low pay is a safety issue. 30% of the mixed fleet crew have been with the company for just under a year. Crew simply can’t afford to stay. Inexperience, fatigue, and the fact that BA recently cut the length of crew training courses means Unite is genuinely concerned about the potential repercussions.

“We urge British Airways to avoid this dispute and do the right thing by both the frontline staff and the travelling public, by engaging with Unite to negotiate a genuinely meaningful way forward.”