BA pilots to vote on pay and redundancy package

BA pilots are to vote at the end of the month on a package of pay cuts and voluntary redundancies after months of tough talks over the airline’s threat to “fire and rehire” thousands of staff. Balpa, the pilots’ union, has recommended that pilots accept the proposals that include voluntary working, an initial 20 per cent pay cut and the creation of a standby pool of 300 pilots on reduced wages, who will return to flying when aviation recovers from the severe downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The union said the agreement reduced the number of compulsory job cuts from 1,255 to 270, out of a total pilot workforce of 4,300. There will be no “fire and rehire”, the union said. Brian Strutton, Balpa general secretary, said it was “hugely disappointing” that BA had not accepted all of its proposals to eliminate compulsory job losses. “As a result there will be some compulsory redundancies among the pilot community and that is a matter of huge regret,” he said. “Given BA’s intransigence, we have put together the best package we can to save as many jobs as possible.” Pilots will vote on the agreement, with the ballot closing on July 30, Balpa said.<br/>