BA sacking inflames industrial dispute

Duncan Holley, branch secretary of the British Airways Stewards and Stewardesses Association, a section of the giant Unite union, worked for the airline on its Eurofleet business.

He is the fifth union member to be sacked by the airline following a series of walkouts in March which crippled flights and cost BA millions of pounds.

Unite is balloting its 12,000 members on a new offer aimed at resolving the long-running dispute, with officials "strongly" recommending rejection.

The union could set new strike dates early next week if the cabin crew vote to reject the new offer, with the result due today.

Mr Holley said he had been sacked for his union activities, including taking time off to carry out his union duties.

A Unite spokesman said: "The company's vindictive operation of the disciplinary procedures seems designed to hinder any peaceful resolution of this dispute."

The union will lodge an appeal against My Holley's sacking.

Mr Holley said BA had always allowed him to take time off work to undertake union duties, but this changed when he asked to be away from work last December and BA refused.

He took time off and was subsequently charged with gross misconduct.

Mr Holley, 54, who worked for BA for more than 34 years, said: "My dismissal is a political decision because I have done nothing wrong."

A BA spokesman said: "It is entirely appropriate and reasonable for us to investigate serious allegations of misconduct. The company's disciplinary process has been in place for many years and has been agreed with all of the airline's recognised trade unions, including Unite."