BA to commence legal action

British Airways is to commence legal action to protect customers against the proposed 12-day strike announced by Unite.

Scheduled to begin on December 22, 2009, the airline called upon the union to call off industrial action by 2pm today. By not issuing a response, Unite has prompted British Airways to seek an injunction to prevent the strike going ahead.

According to a statement released by the airline, it has highlighted irregularities in the union's strike ballot which renders it invalid. Reports state that British Airways believes that ballot papers were sent to staff who had already left or were in the process of leaving the airline's employment.

Willie Walsh, chief executive at British Airways, said: "We are absolutely determined to do whatever we can to protect our customers from this appalling, unjustified decision from Unite.

"We do no want to see a million Christmases ruined. Unite was told about the problems with its ballot on Friday. Yet it cynically went ahead with an extreme, highly publicised threat to our customers and our business in the knowledge that it might not be able to carry it out.

"We remain available for talks with Unite at any time without preconditions."

Travellers are encouraged to book comprehensive travel insurance with Holiday Extras for complete protection and peace of mind on their holiday.

December 15, 2009