The
GMB union said it was ‘preparing for war but hoping for peace’ after it
announced possible strike dates for staff at British Airways (BA).
The
union said strikes could go ahead from 27-31 August if pay negotiations with
the airline continue without an agreement.
GMB
national officer, Allan Black, said: “British Airways has been dragging its
heels since January and now we find ourselves in August without a resolution,
and no pay deal for our low-paid members.”
The
GMB represents about 3,000 staff, but the dispute is expected to escalate later
this week when the T&G union announces the result of a ballot among 8,000
of its members at BA, including baggage handlers.
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
BA
said it remained hopeful of resolving the row and told its staff in a letter
last month that going on strike would "seriously damage" the company.