| In another turn in the contentious battle between the | | | | senior staff that took part in industrial action lost |
| trade union Unite and British Airways, the union | | | | years of amassed travel perks. |
| announced on Monday that it would pursue legal | | | | Last week, United rejected an offer by BA that only |
| action against the airline over the removal of striking | | | | partially reinstated staff travel. However, last week's |
| cabin crew's travel concessions.According to Unite, | | | | vote attracted less than 50 percent of the striking |
| which represents 11,000 BA cabin crew members, | | | | BA workforce, signaling that crew members might be |
| the removal of travel concessions was a breach of | | | | tiring of the conflict which has been ongoing since |
| European human rights legislation.The union also claims | | | | December.In a move perhaps addressing this strike |
| that proper disciplinary procedures were not being | | | | fatigue, Unite has promised to provide assistance to |
| followed when the concessions were removed. | | | | crew members who have suffered particular financial |
| BA has responded to the accusations with their own | | | | hardship because of the strike. BA has docked |
| statement, saying that travel concessions were a | | | | additional days' pay from those who went on strike. |
| staff perk that the company had the right to | | | | The union did not provide details on what kinds of |
| withdraw at their discretion. Crew members should | | | | assistance would be provided.Next week, union |
| have anticipated losing company perks when they | | | | leadership and BA executives will return to the |
| went on strike, BA said. | | | | negotiating table for further talks mediated by the |
| The reinstatement of travel perks has been a | | | | Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.The |
| hot-button issue in the fight between the union and | | | | dispute which has disrupted 22 days of service since |
| the airline. Though the main issue behind the strike | | | | March has cost BA more than $232 million. Prior to |
| has been improvements in working conditions, BA's | | | | May, BA announced its biggest loss since 1987. The |
| refusal to reinstate travel perks has been a sticking | | | | airline lost $788 million in the 12 months to March. |
| point.Staff travel entitles staff to discounted travel, | | | | For more information please visit PeterGreenberg. |
| which increases with length of service. So, more | | | | |