Union/BA deal "touch and go"
10 March 2010 09:19
A deadline for British Airways and the Unite union to reach an agreement expires today at midday as hopes of a deal hang in the balance.
The Trades Union Congress, which is chairing negotiations between British Airways and Unite had extended talks between the two parties in the hope of reaching a deal that would avert strike action.
The two groups are locked in a long-running row over jobs, pay and working practices.
Sources close to the talks had said earlier they were not optimistic of reaching an agreement to head off industrial action, but news of the extension yesterday raised hopes that a deal could still be reached.
One source said it was "touch and go" whether an agreement could finally be achieved.
The union has until next Monday to announce industrial action, which would threaten travel chaos for passengers. Unite will have to give seven days' notice of any industrial action although the union has ruled out any strikes over Easter.
BA maintains it has 1,000 volunteer staff ready to work as cabin crew in the coming weeks if a strike goes ahead.
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