Cabin crew union vows 'serious' battle with BA

British Airways is today heading for confrontation with the largest aviation union, increasing the risk of strikes in the run-up to Christmas.

Unite, which represents BA cabin crew, demanded the company withdraw plans to impose contractual changes -and job losses - by the middle of next month.

If not, said union bosses, BA risks "a serious, drawn-out confrontation with its workforce".

A BA spokeswoman said: "We are always available to talk with the trade unions but the changes we have announced will go ahead as planned."

BA wants to reduce its cabin crew workforce from 14,000 to 12,300 and to freeze basic pay and allowances for two years. Unite said under planned changes "working hours will be extended, crew levels will be slashed [and] career opportunities will disappear".

Steve Turner, Unite's national officer for aviation, said BA had told cabin crew they must accept these terms by 16 November or leave the company.

Unite accused BA of trying to introduce a second-tier workforce on poorer pay and conditions. New cabin crew could be paid as little as £14,000 compared with £20,000 plus now.

The BA spokeswoman said: "The changes we have announced will not alter contractual terms and conditions for individual members of existing crew."

Months of negotiations between BA and the unions to reduce costs - the airline lost £400 million last year - ended in failure.