BA shares rise on FTSE 100 as strike talks collapse

A first three day strike will begin tomorrow. Another four day strike is due to begin the following Saturday.

A statement from the Unite union said that “cabin crew are in dispute with an employer at war with his workers.”

“These Unite members understand the pressures the recession places on the company. But they believe BA’s future, and 40,000 jobs, depend on it staying a premier airline.

“For over one year crew have tried to get management to negotiate. They’ve even offered to save the service by making sacrifices – up to £62 million in savings. But BA won’t listen.”

The strike centre’s around BA’s decision to cut the number of cabin crew workers on long haul flights. BA says the cuts are necessary to return the company to profitability. Last year BA made a record loss of £401 million and is expected to post an even greater loss this year.

By 14:39 shares in BA were up 0.78 per cent to 244.40 pence per share.