British Airways axes perks for striking crew

[March 24, 2010]  LONDON (AP) -- Striking British Airways cabin crews may soon get the stay-at-home blues after the airline permanently cut off their access to free and discounted travel on its routes.

Airline officials say they have the right to eliminate the travel perks because it is not protected by any contractual agreement.

The decision was announced Wednesday, two days after last weekend's strike and ahead of a second work stoppage, scheduled to begin Saturday.

BA chief executive officer Willie Walsh had warned potential strikers they would lose their travel perks if they went ahead with the job action, which caused major disruption. Cabin crew are striking over pay and work conditions.

Union officials say their members will not be intimidated by the airline's actions.

[Associated Press]

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