BA passengers face further disruption as check-in staff plan “strike actions” over pay

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The prospect of strikes comes as cancellations and IT problems have hit British Airways lately. It announced today that 10% of its flights scheduled to operate between March and the end of October have been cancelled

British Airways passengers are at risk of further disruption from a possible strike action by check-in staff.

Hundreds of BA staff at Heathrow Airport take part in a consultative vote on pay grades.

The result will be announced a week from Tuesday, but the Mirror understands there is broad support for industrial action.

The prospect of strikes, perhaps from late June or early July, comes as BA has been plagued by cancellations and IT problems lately. It announced today that 10% of its flights scheduled to operate between March and the end of October have been canceled – around 16,700.

The layoffs were attributed to staff shortages following a “fire and reinstatement” process that resulted in 9,000 workers leaving the company.

Customers have also reported problems trying to contact BA.

Nadine Houghton of the GMB union said check-in staff were abused by angry airmen.

She added: “BA refuses to pay back the 10 per cent cut imposed on them during the pandemic and the 10 per cent bonus paid to other BA employees.”

An insider said that instead of reinstating the cut, the company offered a one-time 10% bonus.

The airline added: “While this is not a strike vote, it is a hugely disappointing move.”

Chief Sean Doyle said BA is hiring 6,000 people as parent company IAG forecasts a return to profitability.