British Airways has lost a High Court bid to block summer strikes by its pilots.
A judge dismissed the airline’s application for a temporary injunction to halt action, which it claims could cost up to £40million a day.
But Mrs Justice Elisabeth Laing did allow BA to appeal against her ruling. This may be heard by the Court of Appeal by Friday, or at the start of next week.
However, it raises the risk of summer walkouts by pilots in a dispute over pay.
The British Airline Pilots’ Association said on Monday that , with a turnout of 90%.
BA took legal action in an attempt to halt the strikes, which it claims have been designed to cause “the maximum in disruption”.
The airline’s barrister, John Cavanagh QC, told the High Court that Balpa had not provided a list of the categories of employees balloted, and said strike action was “likely to commence on, or about August 7”.
In a statement, a BA spokesman said the airline was “very disappointed” with the judge’s decision.
He said: “We will continue to pursue every avenue to protect the holidays of thousands of our customers this summer.” Brian Strutton, Balpa’s general secretary, said he was “pleased” with the decision but “frustrated”.
He said: “BA could have spent this time coming back to the negotiating table instead of trying – and failing – to tie us up in legal knots.
“This delay will now continue with BA seeking to appeal against the High Court’s decision. As a result, it’s now likely the talks scheduled with ACAS on Friday will have to be postponed.
“We ask that BA thinks hard about why 93% of our members feel so strongly about taking strike action.”
He said BA had admitted that even one day of strike action would cost much of what our pilots are asking for.
He added: “The ball really is in their court to look after their pilots and ensure the hard-working public get to continue their holidays as planned.”
