The airline British Airways canceled almost all flights because of a pilot strike. There was no way to predict how many pilots will come to work or which aircraft they are allowed to fly, the airline said in the morning. "So we had no choice but to cancel our flights almost 100 percent."
The pilots want to strike for better pay. According to the Balpa union, work stoppages are planned for the British airline this Monday, next Tuesday and on 27 September. British Airways announced on Monday morning at the same time readiness to return to the negotiating table.
Tens of thousands of passengers are likely to be affected by the strikes, according to news agency PA. British Airways offers about 850 flights per day. Affected customers were offered reimbursements or transfers. Flights with BA CityFlyer, SUN-AIR and Comair are not affected, it was said.
British Airways had offered the pilots a pay rise of 11.5 percent over three years in July. This was rejected, however. The airline is one of the largest airlines in the world.
"British Airways needs to wake up," said Balpa General Secretary Brian Strutton on Sunday. The pilots had to accept substantial pay cuts in difficult times. Now the airline should give something back in times of profit. According to the Pilots' Union, a strike day costs 40 million British pounds (about 44 million euros).
