Year-long industrial dispute faces expanded court action in UK and Europe.

Airport news for Flights,Travel on 20/09/2010.

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The dispute between cabin crew and British Airways looks set to enter its second year, amid further new legal action in both the UK and Europe. Unite, the union representing cabin crew who work for the airline, said it is this week going to lodge an appeal in the High Court over BA’s cancellation of travel concessions for nearly 7,000 of the union’s members who walked out on strike earlier this year.

In the first few months of 2010, cabin crew went on strike for 22 days over plans by British Airways to cut costs. The strike led to flight disruption and cost the carrier in excess of £150 million. Cabin crew were unhappy about plans by BA that included reducing the number of on-board crew.

The dispute escalated after BA responded to the strike by revoking travel concessions for staff who took part in the strike and disciplined scores of Unite members. The union now says it is planning to lodge an appeal at the European Court of Human Rights this month. Unite is also set to take its case to the British Court of Appeal early in October. Unite will argue that the airline’s reduction in crew levels constitutes a breach of contract.

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