British Airways strike for 12 days of Christmas

Last ditch talks failed this week between bosses at British Airways and union leaders over a deal on pay and conditions. For the past few months a Christmas strike has been looming and both the airline and unions have been talking to try and prevent industrial action in what will be one of their busiest times this year.

Only last month the airline made a statement to the affect that told potential passengers not to worry over strikes and that their planes would be operating as normal. This now looks worrying like many people could be left stranded or not able to get home to loved ones over the holiday period.

The strike will cause untold damage to the airline that look like they are heading for their worst financial year on record since being privatised. The financial year that ended in April saw them lose more than £400 million and this year so far is looking a lot worse.

Thousands of cabin crew were at Sandown Racecourse this week to hear the results of the ballot and to discuss what affect it would have on the business if they were to walk out. The last time cabin crew refused to fly was in 1997 over the similar problems.

British Airways are due in court this week to try and get and injunction against the cabin crew and unions, in affect making them work or be subject to disciplinary procedures. The result of the court should be available by the end of the week.