BAA strike talks reach critical phase

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Passengers at UK airports are facing the prospect of delays and cancellations over the Christmas and New Year period after members of the UK's largest union, the TGWU, rejected BAA's latest pay offer

The offer - which BAA claims amounts to an average of 7% over two years - has been accepted by members of the union Amicus, but the TGWU advised members to decline. The two parties will now discuss the issue further in an attempt to avert strike action.

Firefighters, security staff and engineers at seven UK airports took part in a ballot on the deal, rejecting it by two to one. Responding to worries over strike action, TGWU leader Bill Morris said that he was aware of the concerns of passengers, but had to protect his members' interests.

BAA deputy chief executive Mike Clasper expressed disappointment in the decision, saying: "This was a reasonable offer to staff who are already well paid. I believe all parties are fully aware that strike action would be in no-one's interests and would cause severe disruption to the public over Christmas. We are therefore pleased that talks will continue with union representatives and that the union is showing its commitment to averting action."