Christmas strike fears as BA cuts 1,700 jobs
(07 October 2009)British Airways is to cut 1,700 jobs and introduce a two-year pay freeze for cabin crew, triggering fears of Christmas strikes.
The airline also announced plans to recruit new staff on different terms and conditions to current employees.
BA said the job cuts would involve 1,000 cabin crew taking voluntary redundancy and a further 3,000 choosing to go part-time, and would take effect from the end of November.
The struggling airline expects to make a big loss for the second consecutive year. In the year to the end of March, BA made a loss of £401m - its biggest loss since it was privatised in 1987.
"Without changes, we will continue to lose more money with every month that passes. It is essential we make ourselves more efficient if we are to ensure our long-term survival," BA said.
However, unions have already reacted strongly to the proposal, saying that any roster changes may constitute contractual breaches, with the carrier facing the threat of Christmas strikes.
From Wednesday, British Airways passengers will have to pay a fee of up to £60 to choose their seats before they travel.
This summer, BA already asked employees to volunteer to work for free for one month, to take unpaid leave or to work part-time.
It has also scrapped free meals on short-haul flights.
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