Last-ditch talks by Minister to avert BA strike

The Government intervention comes as the airline launches legal action in the High Court to stop the industrial action, the first of four proposed walk-outs, from going ahead.

Both sides will also re-enter negotiations with conciliation service ACAS in a bid to resolve the dispute over pay, jobs and working practices, including staffing levels on flights.

Yesterday, the leader of British Airways cabin crew accused the airline of being "vindictive" as he claimed the cost-cutting row which sparked strikes had been settled.

Tony Woodley, joint leader of Unite, claimed an agreement had been reached in principle on a deal but the dispute was being prolonged because BA was refusing to fully restore travel concessions to staff who went on strike in March, and over the suspension and sacking of over 50 cabin crew.

Mr Woodley said BA chief executive Willie Walsh was pursuing "vindictive" action against those who went on strike by taking away the travel concessions they had built up over years of service, and by suspending and sacking union members.

Mr Hammond will hold separate talks with both sides today, hours before the first of the strikes will start, to urge them to reach a settlement.

"This strike is extremely bad news for passengers, British Airways and its employees," he said. "I understand how difficult it can be when people's jobs have to change, but a prolonged series of strikes will weaken the company and put those jobs at risk.

"Aviation is a challenging market and BA must remain competitive, so this strike will ultimately be self-defeating. I urge both parties to resolve their dispute to avoid disruption to passengers and safeguard the future of British Airways."

The airline has urged its staff to volunteer to work during the strikes, which are set to disrupt flights for over 20 days.

Members of Unite are due to walk out from May 18-22 inclusive, then from May 24-28, May 30-June 3 and June 5-9.