Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 1:46AM

Unite the Union, the trade union representing cabin crew employees of British Airways, has said it will continue to strike through the summer if it cannot reach an agreement with the airline over pay and benefits. Unite’s twelve-week legal protective period ends next week, requiring the union to re-ballot its members and pass another strike resolution in order to continue the industrial action. The Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) tried to schedule new talks between officials of British Airways and Unite the Union, but as yet, it is unsuccessful. Tom Woodley of Unite, said recently, “We will stand up to BA bullies – even if it means another strike.”

The Daily Mail reported earlier this month that Unite the Union is “losing support among the public and its own membership.” Nevertheless, the multinational trade union remains the largest in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 2007 with the merger of Amicus the Union and the Transport and General Workers’ Union. British Airways was formed in 1974 with the merger of the British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European Airways. It is the United Kingdom’s highest-profile airline, and is headquartered very near its main hub Heathrow Airport (IATA: LHR; ICAO: EGLL) in the London borough of Hillingdon.

related stories

IATA Chief Executive slams unions for striking (June 8, 2010)

British Airways will expand its immediate-term flight schedule (June 4, 2010)

British Airways will expand its immediate-term flight schedule (May 26, 2010)

Unite the Union begins strike series against British Airways (May 24, 2010)

The Unite strikes against British Airways are back on (May 21, 2010)

Unite is barred from going forward with BA strike action (May 18, 2010)

British Airways has released its contingency plan for the first strike (May 15, 2010)

British Airways and cabin crew union are trying to avert strikes (May 12, 2010)

original story (UK Daily Mail)