Union twits

Contrast this with the lack of professionalism shown by the leaders of the Unite union who used Tweets to provide a partisan running commentary on their talks with strike-hit British Airways; discussions that ended in chaos when scores of demonstrates stormed the building where the meeting was taking place.

It is clear that both Willie Walsh, the chief executive of the troubled airline, and Unite bring out the worst in each other. That has been abundantly clear for a long time. Yet, by conducting himself with dignity when confronted by protesters, it is Mr Walsh – and not the union – who has emerged from this episode with some credit.

One conclusion an be drawn from this inappropriate use of Twitter: the union's negotiators were not concentrating fully on the key issue at stake, namely the disruption to holiday plans if the industrial action goes ahead. It also raises the question: does Unite really want to reach a long-term settlement with BA?