Unite union admits that British Airways action is probably over the top
In a surprise development regarding the planned 12 day Christmas strike by British Airways cabin staff, Derek Simpson, the boss of the Unite union, has admitted that the action is "probably over the top". After Gordon Brown entered the fray and pleaded with both parties to negotiate an agreement, the revelation that even some within the union believed the 12 day action is too much does in many ways weaken the union's position.
British Airways is going to the courts today to try and prevent the action which they believe will have a massive impact on the business and the group as a whole. As we covered yesterday, British Airways is looking at a pension fund deficit in excess of £3 billion, significant debts and a business which is losing its reputation due to the inability of the British Airways management and unions to come to an amicable agreement.
There are grave concerns about the medium to long term future of British Airways and when you consider that the sector is still struggling, the Christmas strike action is the last thing the company needs. Many believe we will see both parties enter "real" negotiations in the short term and hopefully a resolution can be reached.
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