BA sparks fury over cabin crew sackings

Cabin crew union Unite said the number of disciplinary cases taken against its members was "seriously complicating" attempts to break the deadlocked row, which started over cost savings but escalated following a series of strikes.

The news followed warnings from the union that if progress is not made in negotiations a further ballot for industrial action would take place.

BA management maintained that the 13 staff had been sacked for "serious misconduct," subject to appeal and that the majority of the 80 suspended were back at work.

"Most of the suspensions have related to allegations from other employees of bullying and intimidation. It would be a dereliction of our duty of care as an employer to ignore these," said a BA spokesman.

"Investigations into any allegations are conducted under the company's disciplinary procedures, which have been in place for many years, are fair, open and transparent and are agreed with all our trade unions, including Unite."

The reassurances are unlikely to relieve tensions between union and management with Unite claiming that BA had rejected a compromise surrounding the outstanding issue of travel perks.

Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley said in an email to members: "The union has made what we regard as helpful proposals for both parties to go to conciliation on the outstanding issues and has made substantive proposals regarding the return of full travel concessions within a time-limited period and the involvement of Acas in disciplinary procedures.

"The company advised that all these proposals had been turned down. The possibility of balloting you once more on industrial action - after discussion with your representatives - remains an option very much on the table."

Cabin crew have taken 22 days of strike action since March, costing BA more than £150 million.

BA responded by praising non-union workers who had signed up to the deal.

"We remain available for talks and believe that we have made a good and fair offer to cabin crew.

"Non-union cabin crew have signed up for the deal in large numbers," a spokesman said.