Promising news in the seemingly endless British Airways-Unite dispute: A new set of proposals to end the dispute between the UK's flag carrier and the union representing its cabin crew has been brought to the negotiating table by the arbitration service Acas. However, Unite is still preparing to hold a fresh ballot for industrial action, which could disrupt flights during the school summer holidays.
A Unite spokesman reportedly welcomed Acas’s move, adding that there was “no wisdom in a protracted conflict...Only a negotiated settlement will bring the peace and stability to BA that it needs.” Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley was reportedly less optimistic, saying he would be “pleasantly surprised” if the Acas proposals formed the “basis of a resolution,” but that the union was ready for more discussions.
So far, 22 days of strike action called by Unite union have cost the carrier more than $220 million.
