BA workers to strike

British Airways Plc faces a crippling 24-hour strike later this month after members of the airline's largest union rejected the company's latest pay offer and voted to walk off the job.

The Transport & General Workers Union (TGWU) said yesterday that more than 8,000 of its members would strike on August 27, the start of one of Britain's busiest holiday long weekends, unless the company increased its pay offer.

Other unions representing check-in staff, baggage handlers and other ground staff are also preparing to strike, threatening to throw summer travel at Britain's airports into chaos.

"There will be ongoing consequences for BA beyond the 24 hours. All we are asking for is a realistic settlement," TGWU national secretary Brendan Gold told reporters.

BA fears a repeat of last summer's wildcat strike which forced it to scrap 500 flights, disrupted travel for 100,000 people and cost the airline £40 million. The TGWU said 66 per cent of airline check-in, sales and administration staff and 84 per cent of baggage handlers, drivers and other ground staff had voted in favour of a strike.

The walkout would take place from 0330 GMT on August 27 and affect BA operations at major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Brimingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The union rejected BA's improved pay offer made on Tuesday, offering staff a £1,000 bonus for good attendance. "We are not having a linkage to sick pay," Mr Gold said.

The airline has offered staff an 8.5 per cent wage rise over three years.

British Airways director of operations Mike Street said the TGWU strike ballot was taken before the airline made its latest pay offer and workers must be allowed to consider the new proposal.