British Airways CEO, cabin crew union talking again as strike looms

British Airways, union back in talks

LONDON — British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh met Thursday with the union representing cabin crew staff, who are poised to strike on Saturday, the union said.

“We are meeting and we are talking,” said Tony Woodley, joint leader of the Unite union.

A government minister, meanwhile, said officials were in touch with both sides in hopes of preventing a strike.

The union has called for a three-day strike beginning Saturday and a four-day walkout beginning on March 27.

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said said in the House of Commons that ministers remained in touch with both sides.

“Thousands of passengers will be inconvenienced if the strike goes ahead and I am keen to ensure that we do all we can to resolve this dispute,” Khan said.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Wednesday that he wanted the union and management to continue talking.

“I believe that the agreement that was near to being reached last Thursday is one that they can build on for an agreement this week,” Brown said.