British Airways strike illegal, High Court rules

The High Court has ruled that the planned strike by British Airways cabin crew over the Christmas period is illegal, meaning that the airline's schedule should operate as normal between December 22nd and January 2nd.

British Airways took legal action earlier this week after identifying irregularities in the strike ballot carried out by the Unite union.

It is now illegal for the carrier's cabin crew to take industrial action over the Christmas period and the High Court has also refused the union permission to appeal.

British Airways released a statement saying that it is "delighted" for its customers that the threat of industrial action has been lifted.

The airline added: "It is a decision that will be welcomed by hundreds of thousands of families in the UK and around the world.

"There was never any need for a strike and we hope that Unite will take this opportunity to reflect before deciding its next steps."

Unite reacted angrily to the High Court's decision and said it is "a disgraceful day for democracy".

British Airways operates an extensive international network that includes flights to New York, Paris, Dubai and Sydney.

Posted by Teddie, 17 December 2009 16:59

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