British Airways pilots ‘ready to strike’ in push to reverse pay cuts

Wednesday 27 July 2022

British Airways pilots are on the verge of striking as part of a row over pay, it has been reported.

In July 2020, BA pilots agreed to a 20% cut in July, falling to 8% over two years, to mitigate against pandemic job losses.

However, the Telegraph reports that pilots are now clamouring for an increase rather than continuing the salary sacrifice scheme, and are calling for a vote on industrial action.

The airline operates routes between Jersey and key international connection hubs London Gatwick and London Heathrow, as well as London City. The move could mean more chaos for travellers following a summer already plagued by cancellations and UK airport staffing issues. 

BA pilots’ reported push for a strike comes after ground handling crew halted planned action after securing a pay increase of 8% last week, while refuelling companies were offered a 10% rise.

Pictured: British Airways operates three routes in and out of Jersey.

“They did it by stomping their feet and having a ballot on strike action. BA seems to ignore you until you issue a ballot,” a source from pilots union Balpa was reported as saying.

Balpa General Secretary Martin Balpa confirmed the union was “in talks” with British Airways.

“We should actually be taking about pay increases given the inflationary scenario. Unless BA is prepared to walk with us down that road then we will have to consult with members to consider our next actions.”

British Airways – which recently signed a five-year deal with Ports of Jersey to guarantee services to and from Heathrow until 2027 - said it remained “committed” to continuing talks.

Pictured: BA recently signed a five-year deal with Ports of Jersey to help islanders tap into Heathrow’s 185 global connections.

As well as salary, which is typically around £75,000 per year for a BA pilot, rosters and meal allowances may also be negotiated.

The airline had to cancel more than 1,000 flights when crew waked out in September 2019.

As well as disrupting passenger flights, the strikes meant that British Airways was unable to take part in Jersey’s Air Display.

Pictured: The last strike in 2019 meant British Airways was unable to take part in Jersey's annual Air Display. 

BA's heritage Airbus A319 in former British European Airways livery had been due to take part in a fly-past in celebration of the airline's 100th year flying, and to acknowledge its historic association with Jersey, stemming back to the creation of Jersey Airways in the 1930s.