British Airways employees have balloted on strike action in a potential walkout which could disrupt the flights of thousands of UK travellers this summer. Three unions - representing 40,000 staff across pilots, cabin crew, ground staff and engineers - having joined forces for the first time to reject a pay deal. The proposed disruption would hit UK airports hard this summer during what is the busiest time for flights. BALPA has said it would ballot members for a full walkout, with the current strike ballot set to last a month. The pilots’ union represents 9 in 10 BA pilots meaning large numbers of aircraft would have to be grounded should they walk out. If a resolution cannot be found, pilots could be joined in their strike by cabin crew and ground handlers. <br/>
oneworld
American Airlines mechanics and their union have ignored a court order to end an alleged work slowdown, extending and worsening flight delays that have devastated its busy summer operation, the carrier said in a federal court filing. The number of aircraft out of service at the start of each day remains above the average of the past 2 summers, even after a temporary restraining order was issued against the TWU-IAM Association June 14, the airline said. American is asking a judge to issue more specific and stringent instructions for employees to return to normal work schedules immediately, under threat of “substantial financial sanctions”. The Wednesday filing ratchets up tension between American and the union, the only major labour group that hasn’t a new contract since the airline merged with US Airways. <br/>