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BA strike talks end in deadlock
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British Airways is facing the prospect of crippling strikes by its cabin crew after talks aimed at resolving a bitter row over cost-cutting broke down.
Hopes of a breakthrough in the long running dispute collapsed when marathon talks ended without agreement.
Officials from Unite will meet on Thursday to decide their next move, and are set to announce strike dates.
The union's 12,500 cabin crew members have voted twice hugely in favour of industrial action, but a planned walkout over Christmas was halted after a successful legal challenge from BA.
The union has ruled out striking over Easter, but a walkout could come as early as March 18. Unite will have to give BA seven days' notice, but the scene is now set for a bitter confrontation.
The two sides were embroiled in negotiations under the chairmanship of TUC general secretary Brendan Barber, which broke up tonight without agreement.
Mr Barber said: "Despite a prolonged period of negotiations it has not been possible to reach agreement between BA and Unite.
"Both parties will be reflecting on the position and the TUC will be keeping in touch but at this stage no further negotiations are planned."
Unite said: "Talks with British Airways concluded today without agreement being reached. Management's offer went nowhere near addressing our members' concerns over crew numbers and service levels."
BA said it remained available for further negotiations but hopes of resurrecting talks were slim.
Reader views (1)
Thursday, seriously can they just hurry up and make a decision. I've had enough of waiting to hear if my flights are going to be cancelled.
- Clare, London, 10/03/2010 21:15
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