BA seeks injunction to block pilot strikes

Bloomberg

British Airways (BA) is preparing to go to court to block a potential walkout by its pilots at the height of the busy summer travel season.
The airline, a unit of IAG SA, was expected to the UK’s high court on July 23 to seek an injunction against the British Airline Pilots Association, known as Balpa, should members vote to proceed with strike action, according to a BA spokeswoman. The ballot is due to end around noon.
“We continue to pursue every avenue to find a solution to protect our customers’ travel plans and avoid industrial action,” the company said. “We urge Balpa to return to talks as soon as possible.”
The dispute relates to pay, profit sharing, and a so-called share save programme as a term of employment, according to the union. The ability of cockpit crews to ground flights means they pose a threat to BA CEO Alex Cruz’s bid to cuts costs and compete with discount rivals such as EasyJet Plc and long-haul operator Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA.
BA has already tried to avert action through the UK’s Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, but talks with the pilots union broke down earlier this month without agreement.