British Airways and Unite union in last-ditch talks

It has been revealed that British Airways and the Unite union are in last-ditch talks to try and avoid this weekend's forthcoming strike action and further disruption planned for the future. This comes after days of speculation regarding the Unite union and it's very close relationship with the UK government which is reflecting badly on Gordon Brown and the Labour Party as a whole. So who was behind today's move for last-minute talks?

The Press Association seems to be suggesting that Willie Walsh has requested the last-minute talks with the Unite union although it is known that the union wants to discuss an earlier offer made by British Airways. There has been significant activity behind the scenes by the UK government as it attempts to avoid what has the potential to become a very difficult and very damaging situation for all parties involved.

Whether or not the damage has already been done with regards to voters opinions of Gordon Brown, the Labour Party and the union movement remains to be seen but this has been a very difficult few days for the UK government and Gordon Brown in particular. David Cameron has made political hay while the sun shines but whether this will be enough to push his party forward to victory at the next election remains to be seen.