BA workers in strike ballot
British Airways check-in workers are to be balloted for strikes in a dispute over pay, threatening disruption to summer holiday flights, it was announced today.
The GMB said thousands of its members based mainly at Heathrow and Gatwick would vote over the next few weeks on whether to launch a campaign industrial action.
The union said strikes would bring Heathrow, Gatwick and other major airports to a halt "almost instantly".
Ballot papers will be issued to GMB members next Friday and the result will be known by mid August.
The Transport and General Workers Union, which represents the most baggage handlers at BA, said today it was preparing to hold a strike ballot but also anticipated more talks with the company.
BA maintained that the talks had been adjourned until next week. A spokeswoman said: "We would be extremely disappointed if the GMB has decided to ballot its members, particularly given our ongoing efforts to work alongside Acas and the unions to find a resolution."
BA has offered a deal worth 8.5% over three years or 10.5% if the money did not count towards pensions.
BA check-in workers caused chaos at Heathrow airport last summer when they staged an unofficial walkout in a row over working conditions, including the use of swipe cards to clock in and out of work.
