Strike-bound union seeks Teamster support

Officials of Unite in Britain have discussed the plight of BA flight crews with leaders of the Teamsters union. Leaders of the two unions were to meet in Washington Wednesday, The Times of London reported.

"A number of unions have contacted us offering help. Whatever form that help takes would be entirely up to the Teamsters," a Unite spokesman said.

Flight crews have voted to strike for seven days including a three-day work stoppage scheduled to begin Friday.

In advance of the meeting, the Teamsters said in a statement: "We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Unite who are fighting for a fair contract at British Airways."

The Times said BA is faced with the possibility union members in the United States would refuse to refuel or clean BA aircraft during strikes, which include a four-day walkout scheduled to begin March 27.

BA said it was "sad to see Unite seeking backing from trade unions overseas."

Copyright 2010 United Press International.