British Airways Loses Second Court Bid to Block Strike

British Airways has lost a second court bid to block a strike by BALPA, a union representing the airline’s pilots. The Court of Appeal in the UK rejected a motion for an injunction by the airline. 

In its latest statement BALPA said that it wishes to resolve the dispute with negotiation, and that British Airways has agreed to hold further talks at the UK Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). As a result, the union is not announcing strike dates. Notably, it is required by law to provide British Airways with 14 days’ notice of any proposed strike action. 

British Airways has confirmed that, as BALPA has yet to issue any strike dates, the airline will continue to run a full schedule. “We will continue to exhaust every possible means to avoid [a strike],” the airline said. 

British Airways has set up a website with the latest information on the strike here. In its latest update, the airline also said that flights on BA CityFlyer to and from London City Airport are unaffected by the proposed strike, and will continue to offer a full schedule. 

British Airways also noted that passengers should ensure that their contact details are up to date in the Manage My Booking section of the airline’s website, in case British Airways needs to contact them with further information. 

While British Airways has not yet issued specific information on how cancellations and delays due to the strike will be handled, according to its general cancellation policy, it will attempt to rebook passengers on cancelled flights automatically. Passengers can changed a rebooked flight if it isn’t suitable, or opt for a refund if they no longer want to travel or if the airline is unable to rebook them. 

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