Balpa offers to halt strikes if BA negotiates on new proposal

The British Airways Pilot Association (Balpa) may call off proposed strikes set for next week, Sept. 9 and 10, if British Airways resumes negotiations on a new proposal submitted by the union to BA’s CEO, Alex Cruz.

It is not clear what the new proposal entails, and Balpa has not yet responded to a request regarding the contents of the letter submitted to Cruz. However, Balpa said in a statement yesterday that the new proposal “shows pilots are willing to be flexible but still stand united in getting a better deal.”

According to a statement last month from BA, Balpa gave notice for strikes on Sept. 9, 10 and 27, in what would be the first-ever pilot strike for the airline. BA said its proposal to increase pilot pay by 11.5% over three years “is very fair and well above the U.K.’s current rate of inflation,” but pilots are unsatisfied with the offer, leading 93% of Balpa members to vote in favor of striking.

A spokesperson for British Airways said today, “We remain ready and willing to return to talks with Balpa.” Whether a resolution will be reached ahead of the strikes planned for early next week remains to be seen.