BA in talks bid to avert strike

British Airways, Europe’s second-largest airline, was in talks with unions last night, in a bid to avert an August 27 strike by as many as 11,000 baggage handlers and check-in staff.

Union negotiators said they were optimistic a settlement could be reached.

“There is a real opportunity for a breakthrough today which would mean there won’t be strike action next week,’ said Ed Blissett, a GMB union official.

The Transport & General Workers’ unions voted to go on strike for 24 hours starting August 27 after rejecting a company offer of a pay raise equal to inflation plus a bonus of stg£1,000 linked to attendance.