BA calls for ACAS intervention in cabin crew dispute

British Airways has today asked the conciliation service Acas to help avert a potential strike by members of the T&G cabin crew union.

The airline said it was willing to meet Acas officials at any time to explore means of resolving the dispute and removing the threat of disruption to the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of customers.

Willie Walsh, British Airways chief executive, said: "A strike would be completely unnecessary and unjustified. I am convinced we can settle the issues at the centre of this dispute through sensible discussion and negotiation.

"Unfortunately because of the nature of the demands put forward by the T&G cabin crew union in recent days, we have not yet been able to find a solution - or engage in the kind of positive dialogue we have achieved with other groups of employees."

Mr Walsh added: "We believe the answer must come through discussion, not confrontation - so we have asked Acas to assist us in taking the process forward."