British Airways will go into a second day of crisis talks with unions this morning in a bid to avert a recurrence of the weekend's wildcat strikes which paralysed flights at Heathrow airport.
The airline last night agreed to delay until tomorrow the introduction of a smart card system requiring staff to "clock on" which has triggered the dispute with check-in staff.
However, unions attacked the airline for giving little ground in a marathon session of negotiations which broke up late last night. Patrick O'Keeffe, the GMB's national secretary for aviation, said last night: "If tomorrow's meetings do not address the real concerns of our members a resolution is doubtful."
Unions have threatened to ballot for industrial action if BA introduces the system, which staff fear will lead to changes in working patterns. There are fears that another unofficial walkout could take place before a vote. A walkout by 250 staff at the weekend led to BA cancelling 360 flights.
Thousands of passengers still faced delays yesterday as the airline struggled to clear a backlog. Airport staff put up marquees outside terminals one and four, handing out sandwiches and drinks. Passengers were told to wait outside until their flights were called. The swipe card system has angered staff because it requires them to clock on when they arrive for work.
One union source said: "They're worried that BA will want to call people in whenever things get busy, then tell them to swipe out when nothing much is happening."
The system's introduction was part of a 3% pay offer from BA. Staff say the deal was still under discussion when the airline announced on Thursday that it intended to implement it unilaterally tomorrow.
Some passengers criticised BA over its handling of the delays. The airline gave £100 to anyone forced to stay in a hotel overnight. But those whose holidays were affected by shorter delays were told to claim on their travel insurance.
