BA strike talks to resume today

The ongoing talks between the Unite union and British Airways will continue today according to the airline’s Chief Executive Willie Walsh, who made the statement after no agreement was reached during a late night session on Thursday.

Walsh departed TUC headquarters refusing to comment of the success or lack of at the talks, which had seen him in discussions with joint general secretary for Unite, Tony Woodley, for much of the day.

There is so far no word on whether the pair have been able to make any progress in averting strike action by airline cabin crew, with the first three-day walk-off scheduled to take place tomorrow while a second is set for next Saturday, the 27th of March.

Yesterday’s talks came as a surprise to most observers, with Mr Woodley telling the BBC that both sides were in the same room and involved in discussions, adding that it was too early to know if a suitable resolution could be found.

A spokesperson for British Airways declined to comment on the meetings, saying the company would not descend to making a running commentary on the negotiations.

Unite is pursuing a settlement which would include yearly pay rises for staff members and working hour commitments as an exchange for taking the brunt of the £62.5m cost cutting exercises by the airline.

Around 35 percent of all passengers will be stranded if the strike moves ahead, with the cancellation of up to 1,100 flights.