BA strike: pilots appeal to government to prevent more action by cabin crew

British Airways today claimed volunteer cabin crew who stood in for strikers in March helped raise satisfaction among passengers, as pilots appealed to the government to prevent more strikes next week and end "tired 1970s-style industrial relations". The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) said "Cameron/Clegg magic" was needed to help save a great airline . It called on ministers to intervene, as members at BA said unprecedented action by cabin crew members in the Unite union threatened the jobs and working conditions of all BA workers. BA plans to operate most of Heathrow flights when the first of four five-day strikes begins on Tuesday and says Gatwick and London City airports will not be affected by the industrial action. Jim McAuslan, Balpa's general secretary, said the association had written to transport secretary Philip Hammond and business secretary Vince Cable. "The last three days have changed the face of British politics with erstwhile political opponents coming together for the common good. We call on government to use that political momentum to help solve what are tired 1970s-style industrial relations. "Without some of that Cameron/Clegg magic this dispute will put the future of a great airline at risk and disrupt the lives of thousands of British families. "Ministers could get Tony Woodley [joint leader of Unite] and Willie Walsh [BA chief executive] together this weekend and get this strike suspended while a solution is hammered out. Balpa stands ready to offer any help it can." An accompanying statement from the association's BA company council said: "BA faces circumstances that pose a very serious threat to its future – the economic downturn associated with the credit crunch, sustained high fuel prices, an increase in competition in key markets and volcanic ash causing air space closures, to name but a few. "BA pilots and other staff groups that include members of Unite have made significant concessions to help BA through such difficulties and it is for all groups within BA to deliver the contribution required in the company business plan. "Recent industrial action by cabin crew has further damaged BA's finances and the unprecedented strikes just announced for May and June will seriously threaten BA's ability to maintain the job security and terms and conditions of employees in all parts of the company, including cabin crew. The action also undermines the interests of all employees who are members of BA's final salary pension schemes, both of which are in deficit, and reaching a critical point in their triennial valuations." BA said staff who stood in for strikers had received a "ringing endorsement" from passengers after a survey showed satisfaction levels rose in March. Overall satisfaction was 76% during the month when industrial action was held, 1% up on February. One respondent said: "My memory is how great the overall experience was from all members of your team, bearing in mind they must have been under enormous pressure." Woodley said: "The question the BA board should be asking themselves is not how many planes will operate but what is the cost of this strike to the company? BA needs to talk to get this settled."