BA union seeks back-up from US

Officials from Unite, the union behind the British Airways cabin crew strike due to begin on Saturday, are meeting with members of the powerful US Teamsters union in Washington today.

The British are looking for support from America's main transport union, although quite what that will involve is unclear at the moment.

"A number of unions have contacted us offering help. Whatever form that help takes would be entirely up to the Teamsters," said a spokesman for Unite.

But many fear the meeting, led by Unite's national officer for aviation Steve Turner, may just stir up more trouble for BA and ruin any chance of a resolution before the walkout begins.

"The Teamsters are an active member of the International Transport Workers Federation," said a spokesman for the US union. "ITF affiliates around the world are mobilising to support British Airways workers in their fight for passenger safety and worker respect."

Hopes were raised yesterday that industrial action could be avoided when BA and the unions agreed to scale back pension entitlements.

Unite and fellow unions Balpa and the GMB agreed a scheme whereby employees can increase their pension contributions in order to maintain benefits at existing levels.

If approved by the pension's scheme's trustees, BA's annual contribution to the scheme can be pegged at the current level of £330m per annum.

Cabin crew at British Airways are to go on strike for three days from March 20 and for four days from 27 March in protest against new working practices imposed by the airline's management.