British Airways pilots’ decision to consider strike action explained

British Airways pilots could potentially go on a series of strikes this summer following a dispute with the airline over pay.

Members of union British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) have voted in favour of industrial action in a recent strike ballot.

Although the airline attempted to block potential strikes with an injunction in the High Court, this was rejected, and BA also lost a subsequent appeal of the decision in the Court of Appeal.

It's worth noting that currently BALPA has said it will not release strike dates and has not yet confirmed if industrial action would go ahead, as it continues to negotiate with British Airways through mediator ACAS.

But what exactly is the dispute about?

The argument comes as pilots are unhappy with conditions of pay at the airline.

BALPA joined forces with unions Unite and GMB in November 2018 to submit a joint pay claim to British Airways, and has been engaging in discussions since.

British Airways says that it offered a pay increase in May of 11.5 per cent over three years, but that this offer has been rejected by BALPA members.

However, the airline says that the pay increase has been accepted by members of unions Unite and GMB.

BALPA previously held a consultative ballot amongst its members following the pay increase offer, in which it says 96 per cent voted against the proposal and called for a strike ballot.

The union then held the strike ballot in July and said that 93 per cent voted in favour of industrial action on a 90 per cent turnout.

It is worth noting that any potential industrial action will be BALPA members only and does not include Unite and GMB members.

Currently the BA flights schedule remains unchanged.

The airline has set up a dedicated page for customers with its latest updates regarding any potential industrial action.

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