Posted on February 21, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

British Airways pilots have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in a dispute over the airline’s plans to staff BA Open Skies with crews from inferior terms to those of existing staff.
BALPA, which represents 3,000 BA pilots, said that 86% of pilots voted to strike and overall there was a 90% turnout for the strike ballot. 

If the strike goes ahead, it will be the first industrial action by BA pilots since 1980.  Officials at British Airways say they are ‘disappointed’ with the outcome.  No strike dates have been set as of yet.
Balpa believes that the terms and conditions of the new BA OpenSkies venture will drive down those for pilots flying BA’s main fleet. 

Commenting on the impending strike, Balpa said:

“We have seen it happening around the world.  BA pilots are determined not to let the same thing happen to them and to their families.  That is why Balpa has drawn a line in the sand.”