Trial Date Set In BA Industrial Dispute

British Airways workers have agreed "unwillingly" to work new schedules with reduced staffing pending a full High Court hearing.

The union representing staff had launched a High Court bid to try and stop the airline imposing new contracts on staff.

A trial will be held at London's High Court on February 1.

Unite says the contracts, which are being imposed from November 16, will hit pay, terms and conditions for workers at a time when BA is already cutting thousands of jobs and freezing pay.

John Hendy QC, speaking for three representative cabin crew, said BA would be in breach of contract by imposing the changes because they were fixed by collective agreements with the unions.

He said those changes would affect the wellbeing of staff and passengers.

BA insists the changes do not alter contractual terms and conditions for individual crew members.

BA told the court it faced "financial catastrophe" if the overhaul was blocked.

A BA spokesman said the company was seeking to reduce its costs during "very difficult economic conditions".

The airline is already facing the threat of strike action over Christmas.

Unite is to ballot more than 13,000 of its members for industrial action, which would start from December 21.

The union has warned that other groups of workers, including check-in and transfer staff, could also become involved in the dispute.