Now engineers threaten BA

ENGINEERS employed by British Airways engineers tonight issued a threat of industrial action over the controversial new system for checking in to work.

The move came as the airline renewed peace talks with unions representing check-in staff in a bid to avoid a repeat of industrial action which stranded tens of thousands of passengers over the past few days.

A meeting of engineers at Heathrow and Gatwick airports decided to issue an ultimatum to the company to hold discussions over the new swipe card system.

The engineers, who service BA's fleet of aircraft, said that if no negotiations were held over the new system a ballot for industrial action will be held.

Bob Shannon, national officer of the engineers' union Amicus, said: 'This is further evidence of the workers' frustration. The engineers' decision will certainly increase the pressure on the company to rethink its position.

'BA engineers do not want the new swipe card system introduced and they certainly don't want it imposed.'

The decision will put further pressure on BA to try to reach agreement with three unions representing check-in staff. The two sides are meeting tonight at the London headquarters of the conciliation service Acas following a marathon session of talks which continued through the night and finished just before 6am today.

The unions and the company said they were optimistic of reaching a deal.

Shop stewards from Heathrow airport joined today's talks as part of the GMB team. General secretary Kevin Curran met workers at Heathrow today and said they had voiced concern at the effect on their work-life balance caused by the introduction of the new swipe card system.

The GMB, which did not take part in last night's lengthy discussions, was meeting BA for a one-to-one session before the other unions join in later tonight.

The GMB announced yesterday that it planned to ballot 900 workers at Heathrow and Gatwick airports which could affect flights on the busy August Bank Holiday weekend.

Mervyn Walker, BA's director of Heathrow, said last night's talks had been 'constructive' and he was hopeful of making progress today.