Hundreds of British Airways staff to get pay rise of as much as 13%

About 16,000 staff at British Airways are to obtain a pay rise value as a lot as 13%, reversing cuts imposed throughout the Covid pandemic.

Union leaders stated the deal arose after the specter of strike motion earlier this summer time by check-in employees, which resulted in a pay settlement that was being prolonged throughout the workforce.

It’s understood that the deal will apply to about 16,000 non-management staff throughout the corporate, together with cabin crew, engineers and baggage handlers, serving to to revive pay to 2019 ranges after the airline minimize employees wages when the pandemic grounded flights around the globe.

The prospect of business motion was averted in July after about 500 staff represented by the Unite union – largely check-in employees employed by BA at Heathrow – accepted the deal.

The pay settlement is damaged up into a number of elements, with staff resulting from obtain a lump sum value 5% of their wages in August. Employees will then obtain a consolidated 5% pay rise in September and an additional 3% consolidated enhance in December. Unite stated this represented a “13% pay rise” general.

Sharon Graham, the union’s common secretary, stated: “By standing sturdy with Unite, our members have compelled BA to desk a pay rise that goes towards compensating for the pay cuts suffered throughout the pandemic.

“There may be nonetheless some option to go for staff at BA to belief this firm once more, given the hostile method they performed themselves throughout the pandemic. As soon as once more, Unite’s deal with enhancing jobs, pay and circumstances has delivered for our members.”

UK staff are coming beneath mounting strain from dwelling prices, with the Financial institution of England forecasting that inflation will hit greater than 13% later this yr fuelled by a contemporary rise in power payments this October.

Wage development throughout the economic system has risen this yr towards a backdrop of low unemployment and report job vacancies, with employers grappling with shortages of employees in a number of sectors. Unions are additionally pushing for greater pay will increase amid hovering inflationary strain.

Nevertheless, common pay development throughout the economic system is failing to maintain tempo with the very best ranges of inflation for 40 years.

A spokesperson for British Airways stated: “We’re happy with this consequence.”