Strike call by BA's cabin crew

Following a breakdown of talks over pay and sick leaves with the authorities, British Airways Plc’s cabin crew today announced a two day strike, the first in the decade.

British Airways will not operate any flights out of London's Heathrow airport on January 30 and 31. Also, all domestic and European flights to and fro from London's Gatwick airport will also stand canceled, officials revealed.

Operation of all passenger flights out of London Heathrow from 0001 GMT on Tuesday January 30 until 2359 GMT on Wednesday January 31 will stand ceased, the airline confirmed.

It may be recalled that as part of an effort to save 50 million pounds ($98 million) by 2008, British Airways’ CEO Willie Walsh last year reduced paid sick leave and the number of attendants on planes.

Crew can now take 12 sick leaves annually, down from 22 earlier. Also, starter pay was fixed at £10,000 in the latest revision.

Unhappy over the new regime, workers argue that as per the new policy it means they are to work even when they are ill.

The airlines’ cabin crew is a branch of the Transport & General Workers Union (T&G). T&G union comprises of about 11,000 members, out of airline's total 14000 cabin crew.

Meanwhile, while further negotiations between the BA board and T&G union are still on cards, BA officials issued warnings to its passengers so as to allow them make alternative travel arrangements.

Authorities further added that customers can claim a full refund if their flight is canceled. Customers also have an option to rebook for a later date or with another airline, the carrier said.

The last official cabin crew walkout which took place in July 1997 lasted over three days, costing the carrier £127 million.