BA crew to walk out in March

The Unite union said on Friday its members would strike for three days from March 20 and for four days from March 27, while BA removed a formal offer made to staff on Thursday and conditional on Unite not naming any strike dates.

"Because strike dates have been announced, Unite has invalidated the offer. It is no longer on the table," BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh said.

Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey said BA management wanted to "destroy trade unionism among its employees."

Cabin crew will not strike over the Easter holidays across the first week of April, but Unite said if no deal was reached more strikes could be called after Easter and beyond.

"Unite has warned there could be further action after April 14 if a resolution has not been agreed," said Guy Lamb, an employment lawyer at law firm DLA Piper.

"The terms of the ballot allows Unite to take further action at any time as long as it relates to the same dispute, so unless a resolution is reached, we could see further disruption in the coming months and even into the summer."

BA said Unite's proposals to save the airline money fell "significantly short" of helping it reach its 60 million pounds cost-saving target and would leave crew much worse off.

BA shares, which have risen a quarter so far this year, were 2 percent higher at 235.3 pence by 1:30 p.m..

"The strike could still be averted. Lufthansa had a one day strike last month but sorted it out, which shows what can be done," said Davy Stockbrokers analyst Stephen Furlong.