The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has said that talks to avert a strike by British Airways (BA/BAW) pilots, the first of which is due to take place on the 26th July.
BALPA General Secretary Brian Strutton said: “It is bitterly disappointing that despite two full days at ACAS we are still no further forward. BALPA tabled options for resolution but BA was not prepared to negotiate so there was no progress at all and no point continuing.”
The pilots are being balloted to strike over a new pay deal which BALPA claims does not give its members adequate reward for their part in the airlines £2bn profits.
Unite and GMB, the other two unions representing British Airways employees, were also considering industrial action but have now recommended that their members accept the new deal.
Mr Strutton added: “Balpa tabled options for resolution but BA was not prepared to negotiate so there was no progress at all and no point continuing. Until BA changes its attitude, there is little prospect of talks resuming”
With the BALPA ballot due to close on the 22nd July, strikes could begin as soon as the 5th August.
British Airways, however, said they didn’t believe the talks were over. A spokesperson for the airline said: “We are disappointed Balpa has walked away from conciliation with Acas” adding “We remain open and flexible to finding a solution to protect hard-working families looking forward to their summer breaks.”
British Airways has offered the pilots an extra 11.5% on their pay over the next three years which their spokesperson described as “generous”.
