British Airways strike: Cabin crew back walk-out in pay row

Thousands of British Airways cabin crew have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strikes in a row over pay, threatening disruption to flights over the Christmas period.

If the strike goes ahead, more than 2,500 workers in BA's so-called Mixed Fleet would walk-out on as-yet-unspecified dates after 21 December.

The dispute involves cabin crew who have joined the airline since 2010, with Unite claiming they earn less than other staff.

Unite said its members backed walkouts by 4-1 and turnout in the ballot was 60%.

Why have BA cabin crew members voted to go on strike?

  • The row is about the pay received by the 'Mixed Fleet' cabin crew who have joined the company since 2010;

  • Unite says earnings for its members were advertised between £21,000 and £25,000 but in reality started at just over £12,000 plus £3 an hour flying pay;

  • They have rejected a two per cent pay offer and on-board customer service managers say they should have collective bargaining rights;

  • A Unite survey found half of its Mixed Fleet members have taken on second jobs to make ends meet, and 84% said they had experienced stress and depression since joining BA due to financial circumstances;

  • Meanwhile cabin crew are angry that British Airways and the parent company IAG reported profits of €1.4 billion - up 64% on last year - while boss Willie Walsh pocketed €8.8 million.

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.

“Mixed fleet crew earn just over the minimum wage and below the national average. Significant numbers of crew are taking on second jobs, many go to work unfit to fly because they can’t afford to be sick. British Airways bosses need to wake up to the anger and the injustice here.

“Not only are the pay rates indefensible but in aviation, low pay is a safety issue. 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 front line staff and the travelling public, by engaging with Unite to negotiate a genuinely meaningful way forward.”

A BA spokesman said: