BA strike threat recedes

The immediate threat of renewed industrial action by British Airways cabin crew receded yesterday after management rapidly reinstated employees it had suspended.

As management found work for returning strikers and avoided a call for another three-day strike, leaders of ground staff involved in a separate dispute effectively abandoned any plans for industrial action. Sources at the Transport and General Workers' Union conceded last night that it was now highly unlikely that the airline would face walkouts on two fronts. The news will be welcomed by BA directors who are hoping to present better news to shareholders at the company's annual general meeting today. It was not clear last night when the full timetable at Heathrow would be in operation, but Gatwick should today be back to normal.