Union claims strike action over British Airways pensions may be averted

The GMB union has said there is a “glimmer of hope”that possible strike action against British Airways (BA) over pensions could be avoided.

The two sides have been meeting to discuss ways of dealing with the fund’s estimated deficit of £2.1bn. BA wants its staff to work longer and take lower pensions in exchange for pumping half a billion pounds into the fund.

However, the GMB has ruled out later retirement, and has called for an individual £50,000 annual pension limit.

Ed Blissett, GMB national officer representing BA staff, said that despite lengthy discussion, little progress had been made.

“GMB will keep talking but we have a long, long way to go,” he said. “GMB is very disappointed that BA has rejected our proposal [for a pensions cap].”

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The parties will come together again on the 23 October to try and thrash out a deal.