British Airways pay talks collapse

Pay talks between leaders of baggage handlers and check-in staff and British Airways have broken down, it was revealed today.

The 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.

The Transport and General Workers Union said a two-week “cooling off” period had failed to resolve the current dispute over the pay of around 8,000 workers, based at airports around the UK.

A number of options will now be considered, including a ballot for industrial action or reference to a third party to help reach a deal.

TGWU national officer Brendan Gold said: “We recognise that the aviation market is a tough one, but BA has to realise that the contribution of these key groups of workers needs to be valued.

“It is disappointing that pay talks have broken down and we are therefore looking at the options open to us, but we are still hopeful of a negotiated settlement.”

BA said it had offered a three-year deal worth 8.5%, or 10.5% if the money did not count towards pensions.

“We have put a reasonable offer to the unions. We have offered to continue talking, with the help of a third party.

“The aviation industry is facing tough times. We have to lower our costs by £300m (€451m) in the next two years.

“Our pension bill has gone up by £133m (€199m). We hope the unions will reconsider any possible threat of strike action.”