BA makes new pay offer to avert holiday strike

British Airways today made a "significantly improved" pay offer in an attempt to avert a threatened strike over the August bank holiday weekend.

British Airways today made a "significantly improved" pay offer in an attempt to avert a threatened strike over the August bank holiday weekend.

The company tabled the offer during crucial talks with union leaders at its head office at Heathrow airport.

No details of the new offer were available but company sources said it was a significant improvement on one which has been rejected by unions.

The GMB union is threatening a 24-hour strike on either August 27, 28, 29 or 30 if the pay row is not resolved.

The dispute is set to escalate later this week when the Transport and General Workers Union announces the result of a strike ballot among baggage handlers, which is expected to show support for industrial action.