BA cabin crew begin voting on deal to end dispute that has cost airline millions

The union Unite is recommending acceptance of an agreement to finally resolve the bitter row, which has soured industrial relations at BA for the past 18 months.

The agreement would see travel concessions for crew, withdrawn during last year’s strike action, returned to 6,700 union members, and third-party arbitration for the dozens of crew placed on disciplinary proceedings.

It would also deliver cabin crew a two-year pay deal.

In a letter to union members recommending the deal, Unite’s general secretary Len McCluskey, said: “This agreement gives all of us an opportunity to move forward. It will not be easy, but throughout the dispute we have only ever sought an honourable settlement.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the new chief executive (Keith Williams) values cabin crew and wants a bright future for all.

“I believe that your continued community spirit and solidarity will guarantee such a future and I strongly recommend that you vote yes.”

Mr Williams took over from Willie Walsh following the airline’s merger with Spanish carrier Iberia.

The ballot ends on June 22, and if accepted by the crew, the deal will be implemented with immediate effect.

The dispute, which has seen a series of strikes and cost BA tens of millions of pounds, started over cost-cutting, but spread to other issues including the removal of travel concessions from those who went on strike, and disciplinary action against a number of Unite members.

It became acrimonious, with both sides accusing each other of not negotiating in good faith and breaking promises, and with the airline questioning the validity of a Unite ballot on industrial action.