The union, which represents British Airways cabin crew, has stated that its members will go on strike for three days from March 20 and for four days from March 27 2010.

The Unite union confirmed that it would not strike during Easter, but warned there could be further strikes after April 14, 2010 if the parties do not reach an agreement.

BA cabin crew are striking over changes to pay and staffing levels imposed by the airline in November 2009.

Another row has broken out between BA and the union about a new offer.

In addition to the strike action, the union announced at a press conference that it would also ballot its members on a new offer from BA, which was tabled this week.

But shortly afterwards, BA boss Willie Walsh told the BBC that the airline’s offer was no longer available.

He said the offer was conditional so had been withdrawn.

Unite’s Assistant General Secretary, Len McCluskey said this latest move by British Airways reasserted that they were available for further talks, stressing that “the language on both sides has hardened since the strikes were announced.”

Mr Walsh said the two parties were “not close at all” to reaching an agreement.

The union’s proposals to save more than £60m at the loss-making airline included staff pay cuts, which was described by BA as “morally wrong.”
Mr Walsh said Unite had failed to provide any credible plan to date.

The union contended that it had “made enormous strides and significant offers that meet the demands of BA.”

Mr McCluskey confirmed that the withdrawal of the offer showed that the airline’s management was “bent on confrontation and never had any intention of an agreement.”

The conservatives accused the government of “looking the other way because the union was channelling millions into Labour’s electoral coffers.”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged the two sides to resume negotiations.

“It’s in my view that the parties will continue to talk now even at this 11th hour. I hope they will do so but I remind them of the danger and risk to the British economy if these disruptive strikes go ahead,” he said.

BA said all flights to and from London City Airport and long-haul flights from Gatwick would be unaffected by the strike action.
Source: Daily Guide