British Airways passengers face potential disruption as a strike by a portion of the airline’s cabin crew is set to begin January 10 and continue through January 11.
Approximately 15 percent of British Airways’ cabin crew have been called to take part in a 48-hour strike starting today, a move that could affect schedules and travel plans for many travelers.
The dispute centers on members of the “mixed fleet” cabin crew—those hired after 2010—who are represented by Unite, the UK’s largest trade union. Unite says British Airways declined to extend a previous mandate for industrial action. At issue is a two-tier pay structure created by the airline: longer-serving cabin crew remain on higher pay scales, while new hires in the mixed fleet receive lower pay.
In a statement, British Airways said it had been notified by Unite of strike action by mixed fleet cabin crew on January 10 and 11 and that the airline would plan to ensure customers still reach their destinations. The airline emphasized that mixed fleet Unite members represent about 15 percent of its cabin crew and expressed disappointment that the union “once again chose to target our customers.” British Airways added that its pay proposal for mixed fleet crew aligns with awards made by other UK companies, keeps reward levels competitive with other airlines and is consistent with pay deals agreed with Unite for other colleagues.
The dispute previously threatened service over the holiday period, with a planned walkout on Christmas Day and Boxing Day that was suspended after talks at the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas). Members of Unite voted down the offer by a margin of roughly 7 to 1.
Of roughly 16,000 cabin crew at British Airways, about 4,500 are employed on mixed fleet contracts. Around 2,000 of those mixed fleet crew are not union members, leaving roughly 2,500 eligible to take part in the strike. Mixed fleet crew operate across both short- and long-haul routes but do not serve on the same flights as crew hired before 2010.
Passengers booked to travel with British Airways during the strike window should check the airline’s official communications and their flight status before traveling. Rebooking options, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements may be available depending on the impact of the action. Travelers with upcoming British Airways flights may also consider contacting the airline for the latest information and to confirm their itineraries.