Unions to take legal action against BA

LONDON (ShareCast) - The union, Unite, is seeking an injunction from the High Court to try and stop British Airways (LSE: BAY.L - news) from imposing new pay and conditions on 14,000 cabin crew.

From 16 November, BA is cutting the number of crew on many of its long-haul flights, meaning senior staff will have to carry out more menial tasks.

Unite says this is a contractual change, but the airline says it's not and so does not require the consent of the unions.

John Hendy QC, acting for Unite, wants a hearing next week to block the contract changes.

Earlier this week, Unite announced a ballot of members at BA for industrial action after talks, which ran through the summer, broke down last week.

The airline has already flagged plans to axe 1,700 jobs, freeze pay for staff and lower wages for new joiners in a bid to save £140m a year.

Cabin crew are expected to receive ballot papers next week and, with the voting process likely to take a month, travellers face possible strike action ahead of the Christmas holidays.