Union says BA bullying staff as strike looms

The Unite union has called out BA cabin crew on a three-day strike from Saturday, with a four-day walkout scheduled for March 27, although both the company and the union say they are still open to talks.

Media reports said British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh and Unite Joint General Secretary Tony Woodley were meeting in last ditch talks over the dispute.

The union said BA had suspended or disciplined 38 crew members for minor infractions, including receiving and forwarding emails from private accounts, holding private conversations, and making a joke.

A BA spokesman called the allegations "jaded" and said they had no bearing on any possible talks with Unite.

"Cabin crew under the management of Willie Walsh have been victims of a disgraceful witch-hunt," said Unite Assistant General Secretary Len McCluskey.

"The bullying and harassment ... shows the lengths BA will go to gag and intimidate cabin crew and destroy trade unionism," he added.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson told Sky News a strike could cause long-term harm to the company.

"If the strike were to take place, it not only damages customers and their interests but you put at risk their future loyalty to British Airways," he said.

"Customers have many choices now and if that's taken for granted by the company or its workforce then you'll see severe damage done to its longer-term trading prospects."