The British Airways cabin crew strike has been postponed by 24 hours by the Transport and General Workers’ union as a goodwill gesture to allow more time for further negotiations.
But the unions warned that if the dispute is not resolved, the strike will still go ahead on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 January.
Cabin crew were set to strike for three days from Monday 29 January, after 96% of T&G members voted for industrial action over pay, pensions and sick leave.
The union claims that staff have been forced to work when unwell as the airline battles to reduce sickness absence. Employees now take an average of 12 days’ sick leave per year, down from 22 two years ago.
BA hit back by leaking documents suggesting that the T&G wanted workers to be able to miss work without taking a sick day if they have one of 12 conditions, including ingrowing toenails and blocked ears.
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Tony Woodley, T&G general secretary, said: “After the personal intervention of Willie Walsh with our senior representatives, and as a goodwill gesture, we have agreed to a 24-hour postponement of the start of the industrial action.
“This extends the time available to secure a settlement to the outstanding problems, and I hope that the company will now join us in making every effort to do so.”
