British airways to embark on strike over pay dispute

 

British Airways cabin crew has decided to embark on a 48-hour strike from January 10, 2017. The strike is as a result of an ongoing pay dispute.

The decision to embark on a strike came after union members voted by 7 to 1 to reject a pay offer from the airline.

According to Premium Times, the crew had earlier called off the strike planned for Christmas Day and Boxing Day in order to allow for talks at the British conciliation service Acas.

However, the talks fell through. The official of the association, Oliver Richardson said:

“British Airways is needlessly provoking strike action by refusing to extend the mandate of the strike ballot and allow meaningful talks to take place.

“Instead of listening to why its ‘mixed fleet’ cabin crew rejected the offer negotiated at Acas, British Airways has sought instead to try and bully a workforce of young men and women who are trying to eke out a living on poverty pay.”

The strike action is being taken by so-called “mixed fleet’’ cabin crew who joined the company since 2010, because they felt they were been unfairly paid less than their colleagues.

Meanwhile, security was beefed up at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport, Abuja as passengers are in last minute rush to travel for Christmas. The airport is due to be closed soon.

Also, concerned stakeholders have faulted the alternative provisions for the planned closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport runway, Abuja between February and March.