British Airways faces first pilot strike in 40 years after vote

British Airways pilots voted in favour of industrial action as part of an accelerating pay dispute, laying the groundwork for their first strike in about 4 decades. Pilots backed action including a walkout with a 93% majority, BALPA said Monday. British Airways is meanwhile due to appear at the UK’s high court Tuesday to seek an injunction to halt any strike, which threatens to disrupt the crucial busy summer travel period. Dates for a walkout haven’t been finalised, the union said, adding that negotiations are on hold until after the court proceedings. The labour group said it remains open to reaching a resolution with the airline. A strike, if it goes ahead, would be the company’s first involving pilots since the 1970s. Aviators most recently voted for industrial action in 2008, although the dispute was settled before it led to a walkout. <br/>