British Airways is optimistic that their move to Heathrow Terminal 5 will be free from the threat of industrial action.

The move is set to take place in March next year and 6,000 ground staff have now voted in favour of the new working practices caused by the move.

British Airways has been in talks with union leaders for 18 months about the move. The ground staff (check-in and customer service personnel) are the last group of workers to vote. There have been previous votes by baggage handlers, drivers, loaders and other teams.

BA chief executive Willie Walsh said: “We have reached this milestone with the full co-operation of our unions.”

A spokesman for the T&G section of union Unite said: “The move should herald a new era for BA, but we will continue to ensure there are no compulsory job losses.”

Source: Travel Weekly