BRITISH AIRWAYS is facing a lengthy strike by cabin crew next week after peace talks broke up without agreement tonight. The breakdown of talks between British Airways and the Unite union without agreement is likely to announce plans for a strike by 13,500 cabin crew within days. Brendan Barber, the TUC general secretary said, it has not been possible to reach agreement between BA and Unite despite a prolonged period of negotiations. Brendan Barber was hosting the peace talks between British Airways and Unite union.

Unite union have been negotiating with British Airways for months in an attempt to resolve a bitter battle over cost saving measures, which includes changes in working conditions and cabin crew cuts. According to the sources, British Airways or BA wants three quarters of its crew to accept a pay freeze this year, and for 3,000 staff to switch to part-time working, along with a reduction in onboard crewing levels from 15 to 14 on long-haul flights from London Heathrow.

However, British Airways has been preparing for the action though and they have 1,000 volunteer staff that is ready to work in place of striking cabin crew if the action goes ahead. In addition the BA airline has made arrangements to hire 20 aircraft and crew from other companies. The airline operates 650 flights a day with its 239-plane fleet.