BA strikes to go ahead after reports of record losses

Unite has won their appeal to go ahead with three rounds of five day BA strikes, with the first round starting on Monday. Each round of strikes will be broken up by a one day break. The first round of walkouts will run from Monday May 24 to Friday 28, the second round will be from Sunday May 30 to Thursday June 3, while the third round will be held from Saturday June 5 to Tuesday June 9.

Holiday makers hoping to fly with BA during the bank holiday weekend and the half term break will be frustrated that the strikes have been allowed to go ahead as it could have an impact on their travel plans. It could even affect travellers heading over to South Africa for the World Cup.

BA has assured passengers that their contingency plans will enable them to carry 70 per cent of travellers. But that still leaves 30 per cent of travellers that will see disruption to their journeys

The walkouts have coincided with the announcement of British Airways record losses. In the twelve months running up to March 2010, British Airways recorded a loss of £531 million. The losses will not even take into account the current wave of strikes, or the impact of the volcanic ash incident that raised its head in April.

The 15 days of strikes are being held in response to the way cabin crew were treated after the March strikes. If the dispute isn't settled soon, further strikes could occur over the summer period. The three rounds of strikes will cost the airline £110 million. Previous strikes have already cost British Airways £43 million.

If you have a flight booked with British Airways, contact the airline before you travel. They will be able to inform you about flight cancellations or alternative arrangements.

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