Picket lines and standby queues grow at Heathrow after last-ditch talks between BA and Unite union collapse British Airways cabin crew today began three days of strike action which will cause severe disruption for tens of thousands of the airline’s passengers. Last-ditch talks between BA and the Unite union, which represents the crew, collapsed acrimoniously yesterday, with BA warning that unless a new framework is drawn up it will scrap an agreement that gives shop stewards the use of company offices and time off to represent members. Unite said early indications were that its 12,000 members were solidly supporting the three-day walkout, called in response to BA’s decision to cut staffing levels on every flight by at least one crew member. Picket lines were set up at airports including Heathrow, which will be the worst affected by the strike. Unite said more than 80 BA planes were grounded at the airport and so far no buses that transport crew to work had crossed picket lines. BA said more than 60% of long-haul flights would operate at Heathrow, although only 30% of short-haul flights were expected to do so. Many BA passengers at Heathrow’s Terminal 5, from where most of its flights operate, said the only difference was that many of their flights were operated by other companies. American Jodi Rogers, 39, who is returning to Boston after a holiday, said: “As far as I know we are flying with BA and it’s on time. So far, there has been no trouble.” But Par Svensson, 47, from Sweden, had his flight to Copenhagen cancelled this morning due to the strike and he was waiting at the terminal to see whether he could catch a later flight to get home for his son’s birthday. “I’m on standby for a flight and I will find out soon if I get on board. To be sure, I’m booked on a flight tonight from Stansted,” he said

Original Source British Airways cabin crew strike begins