BA, Unite fail to reach accord through arbitration

The UK's Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service confirmed that it was unable to broker a deal between British Airways and the Unite union to end the long-running dispute between the airline and its flight attendants over pay and working conditions.

Acas said it presented "a potential way forward last week" to both sides and met separately with BA and Unite on Tuesday. But it said, "Regrettably, the parties were unable to move closer to an agreement. At present there are no further meetings planned but Acas will monitor developments and our services remain available."

BA cabin crew have staged 22 days of strikes this year and Unite indicated earlier this month it could hold balloting for further strike action in July (ATW Daily News, June 10).