BA to increase flights during strike

British Airways (BA) said it will increase its flight schedule from London's Heathrow Airport during the next phase of strikes as representatives of the UK carrier and unions resume discussions to settle their differences, Dow Jones reported.

BA and Unite, the union representing cabin crew, were due to return to the negotiating table this week to try to end the bitter dispute over working practices that has resulted in a series of strikes.

Unite joint general secretary Derek Simpson, who is negotiating on behalf of BA cabin crew, called for talks to be conducted in public so that there would be greater transparency over what issues remain, and forcing a quicker resolution.

Trades Union Congress (TUC) general secretary Brendan Barber is expected to take part in negotiations, as is Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service chief conciliator Peter Harwood.

The TUC would only confirm that talks would go ahead at an undisclosed venue.

Negotiations 10 days ago were abandoned after protesters dodged security and stormed a meeting, surrounding BA chief executive Willie Walsh.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)