British Airways strike replay?

The union representing British Airways cabin crew plans to hold a new vote to authorize a strike against the airline. A previous strike attempt was stopped by a court injunction in mid-December. The court action helped the airline avoid major disruptions during the busy holiday travel period.

Results of the new vote would not be known until early February and any strike would follow the announcement.

Media reports indicate that British Airways and its cabin crew union continue negotiations to head off a possible strike, although the status of the talks has not been made public.

The planned December strike's length was unprecedented and the action appeared to have a high level of support among union members. Over 12,500 workers were expected to participate in the walkout. The planned strike followed announced job reductions and changes in staffing levels in response to continued operating losses at British Airways.

British Airways' last strike was in 1997. The airline and its unions reached last minute agreements to avoid a potential strike in 2007.