British Airways (BA/BAW) pilots have agreed to call off a planned strike on 27th September in a bid to return to negotiations before “irreparable damage is done to the brand”
Pilots that are members of the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) have already carried out one walkout this month on 9th & 10th September which led to the cancellation of over 1,700 British Airways flights.
BALPA says it’s action earlier this month showed the “anger and resolve” of its members but after that disruption, ‘it was now time for a period of reflection before the dispute escalates further and irreparable damage is done to the brand.’
BALPA hopes that British Airways will not follow this gesture and re-enter negotations with its pilots.
BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said: “Someone has to take the initiative to sort out this dispute and with no sign of that from BA the pilots have decided to take the responsible course. In a genuine attempt at establishing a time out for common sense to prevail, we have lifted the threat of the strike on the 27th September.
“BA passengers rightly expect BA and its pilots to resolve their disruption and now is the time for cool heads and pragmatism brought to bear. I hope BA and its owner IAG show as much responsibility as the pilots.”
The union said it will call further industrial action if the airline continues to refuse to negotiate or negotiations stall once again.