British Airways peace talks fail

THE threat of summer flight chaos increased dramatically this afternoon as talks to try and solve the pay dispute with British Airways broke up without agreement.

Leaders of the Transport and General Workers' Union, which represents the majority of BA ground staff at the centre of the dispute, said the company had refused to budge on its original pay offer.

A spokesman said: 'We have been talking, but we have just been going around the houses. We moved today and offered to stage various increases, but the company refused to budge.

'It takes two to tango, but while we are on the dance floor, BA remain sitting on the chair.'

The union says it is willing to come to agreement with a three-year pay deal with BA, but says there must be an inflation-plus increase for each year.

BA says the union demands will come to 14.5% over three years, which it cannot afford.

Today's talks involved union representatives of thousands of baggage handlers. Further talks are due to take place concerning similar claims lodged by BA check-in staff.