British Airways and Unite Meet for More Talks

Over the weekend, the conciliation service Acas may have created a turning point in the British Airways dispute with cabin crew about staffing changes and travel perks. During the row, the staff have held 22 days of strikes, which has caused travel disruptions for millions of passengers this year. However, the Acas has revealed new proposals for the 2 sides to reflect on and negotiate, which may end the dispute, but the details are being kept hush-hush.

It’s believed that the new negotiations will centre on travel perks, which were banned from cabin crew that participated in the 7 days of walkouts in March. Peter Harwood, the chief conciliator of the Acas, said that they want the dispute to end, as it has been very damaging for everyone involved. He anticipates to meet with the airline and union early this week, he added, but when and where the meeting will be held will stay a secret.

A Unite spokesman said that any new proposals will have to end the travel perk ban if they have any chance to find a solution to the row. A British Airways spokeswoman did confirm that the Acas has made new proposals, but said that they won’t comment on them right now.

The most recent strike by cabin crew ended June 9, which was just last Wednesday. However, Unite has threatened that further industrial action may take place next month. This will be bad for British Airways, as the carrier has just revealed record losses for the previous financial year, as well as reportedly lost £150 million total from the 22 days of strikes. However, last week the airline’s chief executive, Willie Walsh, said that they won’t back down from the dispute and will continue the battle as long as they have to.