BA and unions reach agreement

Thursday, 31 July 2003 5:13 AM

British Airways has successfully clinched a deal with unions to end further unofficial strike action by check-in-staff at Heathrow Airport.

The flag carrier and three unions have been locked in a dispute over plans by the company to introduce a controversial "swipe card" system for clocking in and out of work.

Staff feared the new system could mean they would be sent home early during quiet times and forced to work longer hours during peak times.

The walkouts twelve days ago caused havoc for passengers. About 100,000 passengers suffered delays as 500 flights were cancelled.

The industrial action cost BA an estimated 50 million pounds and gave BA's public image a severe bruising.

Mervin Walker, BA's spokesman, said unions agreed to accept the new electronic clocking-in system, due to come into operation by September 1.

He said: "We're very pleased indeed to have reached agreement with all three of our trade unions. The discussions have been conducted in a very constructive spirit, and we're pleased by the outcome."

In return, BA said it would not use the data to introduce flexitime shift patterns and would hold separate pay talks with workers.

General Secretary of TUC Brendan Barber said he was very pleased that an agreement had been reached between the Transport and General Workers' Union, Amicus and GMB and British Airways.

Sir Bill Morris of the T&G said: "It is, I think, a good day for the employees, a good day for the company, but an even better day for the passengers. We're delighted with the outcome of our negotiations."

He added that the unions had met their key objectives: "Our objectives have been met. We have managed to de-couple pay. We have managed to secure limitations of use on the swipe cards, and we are committed now to negotiate with the company."

2,500 staff will receive a 3 per cent pay rise backdated from 1 January.

Separately, BA is already expected to post dreadful quarterly results for the three months from April to June. BA is expected to disclose a pre-tax loss of around ?60m against a profit of ?65m year on year.

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