FRANTIC moves to avert the first of a series of strikes by British Airways cabin crew will be launched today as the airline industry faced mounting chaos because of industrial action coupled with the volcanic ash cloud.
BA and Unite will hold talks at the conciliation service Acas, while both sides will also meet separately with new Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, hours before thousands of staff are due to walk out. The airline was also taking legal action to try to have the strike called off. Union leaders said they were monitoring the effects of the ash cloud. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are closed this morning. The flight ban will come into force from 1am and last until at least 7am, air traffic authority Nats said.
