Cabin crew at British Airways ‘back strike action again’

British Airways cabin crew have voted in favour of strike action, say union sources.

The result of the latest ballot among 12,000 crew will be declared by the Unite union on Monday.

A mass meeting on Thursday will hear demands for a series of walkouts. The union has ruled out stoppages over Easter.

Talks continue between BA and Unite in a dispute over a pay freeze, job cuts and changes to working conditions.

Much will depend on the result, expected tomorrow, of a High Court challenge by Unite which aims to halt BA's cost-cutting.

The company says it must make changes to survive in the midst of a competitive market and a recession which has meant fewer passengers.

The previous ballot, before Christmas, resulted in a 92 per cent vote in favour of strike action.

But it was ruled illegal following a High Court challenge by BA, on the grounds the vote had included members who had already left the firm. That prompted a fresh ballot.

BA has already introduced some changes to cabin crew on its Worldwide and Eurofleet flights.

It is training 500 volunteers from existing staff. These would work alongside cabin crew who choose not to take part in walkouts.