British Airways cabin crews strike again

British Airways cabin crew walked out for the 14th day Monday in an on-and-off strike over pay and working conditions, and a union leader said labour disruptions could continue into the summer.

Striking cabin crew walked off their jobs May 24 for five days and began the new round of strikes Sunday after the latest round of talks collapsed. The cabin crew union has called for another five days of strikes beginning on June 5 if there is no settlement.

The airline says it plans to fly more than 70 per cent of its long-haul flights, compared to the 60 per cent it had operated during last week's strike, and 55 per cent of short-haul flights, up from 50 per cent last week.

A big sticking point in the dispute is British Airways' decision to take away free travel benefits for cabin crew who joined in the strikes.

Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of the Unite union, blamed British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh for blocking a settlement and said the union is preparing for another vote on continuing strikes beyond early June.

"Willie, we all know there is a deal to be done at British Airways, one that recognizes the real commercial needs and problems of your company as well as our members' legitimate interests. Unite is ready to do that deal," Woodley told union members in Manchester, according to a text released by the union.

"But we are not, and never will, be prepared to see our members and our union humiliated," he added.

Seven days of walkouts in March cost the airline around 43 million ($63 million US).