The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has announced it is calling off its planned strike scheduled for 27th September in the dispute between British Airways and its pilots.
BALPA said the strikes on 9th and 10th September had demonstrated the anger and resolve of pilots. It was now time for a period of reflection before the dispute escalates further and irreparable damage is done to the brand.
BALPA hopes BA will now change its approach and negotiate seriously with a view to ending this dispute.
“Someone has to take the initiative to sort out this dispute and with no sign of that from BA, the pilots have decided to take the responsible course. In a genuine attempt at establishing a time out for common sense to prevail, we have lifted the threat of the strike on the 27th September," BALPA General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said in a statement.
“BA passengers rightly expect BA and its pilots to resolve their issues without disruption and now is the time for cool heads and pragmatism to be brought to bear. I hope BA and its owner IAG show as much responsibility as the pilots,” he added.
On Sept. 10, British Airways was forced to ground almost all of its flights estimating losses of up to GBP80 million ($98.7 million) following a deadlock in negotiations.
BALPA wants British Airways to provide a profit-sharing scheme for all its employees rejecting the airline's proposal to raise pay 11.5% over three years.
BALPA earlier said the gap between the airline's position with their proposal is about £5 million (US$6 million), while estimated daily losses due to the strike are £40 million (US$49 million) per day.
Should BA refuse meaningful new negotiations, BALPA retains the right to announce further strike dates, Strutton added.
The airline said earlier that it remains "ready and willing" to return to talks with BALPA.
