May 17, 2010 - Pilots in British Airways have warned that 'the unprecedented strikes announced by BA cabin crew 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.'

And the pilots' union BALPA (British Airline Pilots' Association) has written to new Secretary of State for Transport Philip Hammond and new Business Secretary Vince Cable asking them to intervene.

Said Jim McAuslan, BALPA General Secretary: '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.

'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. The BA Company Council, therefore, urges BASSA and BA to immediately enter meaningful negotiations to resolve their remaining differences and commence the process of rebuilding industrial relations upon which the Company's and employees' future prosperity are dependent.

'BALPA has written to the Secretary of State and the Business Secretary requesting they assist the parties in the conduct of fresh talks so as to avoid further damage to the UK economy and the reputation of BA. 'BALPA remains ready to participate in such talks should it be called upon to do so.' (see British Airways Published Contingency Plans For Cabin Crew Strike)