BA crew strike enters last day

British Airways cabin crew entered their final day of strikes yesterday, as unions and the airline's management called for renewed negotiations to avoid further industrial action.

Meanwhile, talks continued between transport unions and Network Rail in a bid to avert a four-day rail strike from April 6, which threatens to cause havoc for commuters returning to work after Easter weekend.

In the Middle East, the airline cancelled one of its three daily flights on the Dubai-London route for Saturday and Sunday and its daily flight on the Bahrain-London route, for the same days, a spokesperson earlier told Emirates Business.

Adding to the threat of industrial action, the RMT union said yesterday it would be balloting London underground staff for strike action over job cuts and ticket office closures.

The Unite union, which represents 90 per cent of BA's 12,000 cabin crew, has threatened to announce further strike dates if no progress is made in the dispute over pay and jobs, but has promised no action until after the Easter break.

BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh urged Unite joint General Secretary Tony Woodley to get his members to vote on an offer made by BA management 10 days ago, before the strikes.