BA, Lufthansa Unions Consider Going On Strike

Passengers of both Lufthansa and British Airways may face disruption over the next two months after unions serving both airlines opened strike ballots in the past week.

Last Friday, German pilots' union Vereinigung launched a ballot of 4,500 members who work for Lufthansa. Voting ends on Feb. 17, and if 70 percent or more favor industrial action, strikes could start anytime after that date. "This is sending out the wrong signals at the wrong time," a Lufthansa spokeswoman said of the planned action.

Lufthansa pilots generally have been sympathetic to the German flag carrier's attempts to cut €1 billion in costs, including axing up to 20 percent of the workforce. However, they are upset that management has not guaranteed that they will avoid using lesser-paid pilots from new subsidiary airlines Austrian Airlines, Bmi British Midland and Brussels Airlines on routes operated by the parent carrier.

Meanwhile, British union Unite opened a fresh ballot on Monday for 13,000 BA cabin crew angered by reductions in staffing levels on long-haul flights. If the strike goes ahead, the first possible date is March 1. This would hit business travelers harder than an earlier 12-day strike scheduled for the Christmas 2009 period. It was called off after the U.K. High Court ruled the ballot illegal on a technicality, so strike action is likely this time.

BA is attempting to minimize the effect of industrial action by asking its baggage handlers and checkin staff to retrain as cabin crew. It is also investigating leasing aircraft and crews from other companies.

In yet another example of deteriorating aviation industry relations in Europe, Ireland's airports were due to shut for four hours this afternoon owing to a strike by air traffic controllers. Between 100 and 150 flights have been cancelled.