More strikes threatened as BA talks breakdown

Wednesday, 23 July 2003 12:00 AM

Talks between British Airways and unions over plans to bring in a new clocking-on system have broken down leaving the threat of more strikes.

Check in staff caused chaos when they walked out on Friday and some holidaymakers are still waiting at Heathrow airport as flights very slowly return to normal. However after talks failed last night there are fears that official strikes will cause a summer of chaos.

British Airways is trying to introduce a smart card system which will require staff to clock on and off. The staff are concerned that this will affect the times that they have to work, fearing they will be forced to work more during busier periods whilst being sent home during quieter times.

But after the talks broke down yesterday the airline said they will bring in the new system on Wednesday. They have dismissed fears about the new system, saying that it simply replaces a current paper one.

Mervyn Walker, British Airways director for Heathrow, told the BBC: 'It has no effect on people's pay, no effect on any aspect of the way they work.'

Over 80,000 passengers were affected by the delays on Friday.

Tags: