Pilots to vote on strike action (From The Argus)

Pilots to vote on strike action

12:08pm Wednesday 28th February 2007 in News

Pilots have started voting on strike action that could see flights from Gatwick airport disrupted.

The British Airline Pilots Association has taken the decision after a row broke out over working practices with the British Airways subsidiary GB Airways.

A spokesman for the union said: "We feel the company is not moving at all on our concerns.

"GB Airways has failed to consult properly on the changes to working practices. We believe that these will place additional pressures on pilots and increase the likelihood of fatigue."

If the strike goes ahead, flights to up to 30 destinations across Europe and North Africa could be affected during the Easter holiday period.

A spokesman for GB Airways, a franchise of BA, said: "We are very disappointed by Balpa's threat of what would be completely unjustified industrial action. We are continuing discussions with union officials this week and believe a strike is not inevitable." The firm said the dispute was "simply" about car parking at Gatwick Airport, saying there were not enough car parking spaces at the head office for all staff. "Reporting to an airport location is the same as the majority of other airlines at Gatwick, as is taking the bus from the car park to crew report. This does not amount to a change in terms and conditions of employment. There are no other suitable locations in the area. "This move follows a lengthy and detailed consultation process with all staff affected. We have agreed to a number of changes to cushion any impact and have worked hard to make this transition as smooth as possible. "Balpa has created a worrying time for our customers and our staff. We hope they will grasp the opportunity to put aside threats of disruption and resolve their concerns through further dialogue."