BA seeks injunction to prevent strikes

BA is to resort to the courts in an attempt to prevent further walkouts by its cabin crew next week.

The airline is to seek an injunction at the High Court on Monday, with strike action planned for Tuesday, citing irregularities in strike ballots as the basis of its case. Union members are planning 20 days of industrial action in protest at changes to pay and working conditions. The legal action comes despite mediation attempts earlier yesterday that saw the unions agree to fresh talks with BA managers in an attempt to avert the walkouts.

Last night Unite union spokesman Andrew Murray said: "I am confident we conducted our ballot in compliance with the law. We'll be defending our position in court." A union representing BA pilots called on the Government to use the political momentum built up this week via "erstwhile political opponents coming together for the common good" to solve the dispute.