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Businesses call for BA strike talks
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The UK's reputation is being hit by the British Airways strike, business leaders warned, as both sides in the dispute continued to argue fiercely over the impact of the industrial action.
The airline was facing its third day of disruption, and its busiest, following the weekend walk-out by members of the Unite union in a bitter row over cost-cutting and jobs.
The union claimed that more than 140 BA aircraft were standing idle at Heathrow, the airport worst affected by the dispute.
An official also maintained that fewer than 300 crew had volunteered to stand in for strikers and accused the airline of counting inbound crew to inflate the numbers of staff on duty.
BA said 97.6% of its Gatwick crew and 52% of Heathrow crew reported to work as normal over the weekend. The company said it reinstated a number of cancelled flights this weekend after maintaining that more crew than expected had turned up for work.
Business group London First, whose members include many of London's internationally-based businesses, said the capital's reputation as a centre for global trade was being damaged by the strike.
Chief executive Baroness Valentine said: "Despite the best efforts of BA management and many staff to continue to put the interests of passengers first, the strike is reminiscent of a best-forgotten era.
"The message from BA's London-based business customers to both sides is: Get back to the negotiating table, and to union members: Get back to work in the meantime."
Tony Woodley, joint leader of Unite, who on Sunday called on BA chairman Martin Broughton and "sensible" directors to intervene in the dispute, will address strikers at a meeting near Heathrow.
The union has called a four-day strike from next Saturday and has warned of further action from mid-April unless the deadlocked row is resolved.
Reader views (6)
I have no sympathy for the cabin crew. All they are striking for to be able to keep their extortionate package and perks even though it has been pretty large in comparison with same staffs in other airlines and in a climate where every business has been affected by the financial climate.
You should be grateful that you've had it so good for so long instead of acting like babies being told that you no longer can have their dummies!! Honestly you are acting as if you're throwing your rattles out of the cot! Some people have had to take pay cuts in order to keep their jobs, what makes you so different? What is it that you do that any waiter, shop staff, bartender, kitchen staff couldn't do? And yet they don't get even half you get.
- Mysslo, In Commonsenseland, UK, 22/03/2010 12:17
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Running scared Tony? The people of the UK don´t give a damn for you or your union.
- Peter Glazier, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 21/03/2010 21:43
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Tony and Charlie better line up some cash for the cabin crew members once they start losing their jobs. 'Cause sure Gordon does not have any.
- Legal Immigrant, London, 21/03/2010 16:57
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Be interesting to know if Mr Walsh has been in contact with Cameron or other top tories in an effort to overcome their rapidly diminishing position in the polls?
Remember the unions can negotiate if their is no one willing to talk to them!!!
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 21/03/2010 16:06
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Who called the strike, who would not submit a lower offer after the pre strike disruption and losses were made apparent - UNite thats who, who do they pay - Gordon thats who, how many labour mps get money from them 100 plus thats how many - spin that one mandy...
- Christian Ball, London, UK, 21/03/2010 15:31
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Tony has the wind up when he goes behind the back of Willie Walsh. Not feeling so confident now mate are you? Mortgages, HP and credit card payments are due soon.
- Albert Hall, hove england, 21/03/2010 15:14
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