New talks seek to avert British airports strikes

Union and management representatives met on Monday for new talks aimed at halting a series of strikes that could close some of Britain's busiest airports.

Leaders of the Unite union and the Public and Commercial Services Union were meeting management from airport operator BAA PLC in a bid to resolve a dispute about the company's pension plan. Talks last week ended without agreement.

Workers at seven airports, including London's Heathrow and Gatwick, voted to stage three strikes beginning next week after BAA announced plans to close its final-salary pension plan to new employees.

Workers including firefighters, maintenance and security staff and clerical workers plan to stage 24-hour strikes beginning January 7 and 14, and a 48-hour walkout starting January 17. The other airports affected are Stansted, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton.(AP)