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BA strike action announced

December 15, 2009

Following news that British Airways cabin crew will go on strike for a 12-day period over the festive season, the national airline has revealed that it is exploring all possible options to cope with the disruption.

More than one million passengers are facing the prospect of flight cancellation following the action by members of the Unite union. The planned strike is to take place between December 22 and January 2 and comes following disputes over job cuts and staffing levels.

In order to mitigate travellers' disruption, British Airways is looking to rework flight schedules and is considering legal action to halt the walkout. Passengers bookings between the strike dates, or for 48 hours either side of these, can rebook to travel at a later date. Those travellers booking through a travel agent are advised to contact their agent.

British Airways' chief executive, Willie Walsh, condemned the proposed strike action: "A strike is senseless - and we urge Unite to draw back. We will not be reversing our changes to on board crew numbers. They have allowed us to accept more than 1,000 requests for voluntary redundancy, and those former colleagues have left the business.

"Unite must understand that there can be no return to the old, inefficient ways if we want to ensure long-term survival in the interests of our customers, shareholders and all our staff.

"They have no justification for threatening such extreme action. It is very sad that they are seeking to use the Christmas holiday plans and family reunions of hundreds of thousands of people to try to pursue their case."

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