BA cabin crew vote on agreement

British Airways cabin crew today started voting on a deal to end their long-running dispute with the airline (AFP)

British Airways cabin crew today started voting on a deal to end their long-running dispute with the airline.

Unite is recommending acceptance of an agreement to resolve finally the bitter row, which has soured industrial relations at BA for the past 18 months.

The agreement will see travel concessions for crew, withdrawn during last year's strike action, returned to 6,700 union members, and third-party arbitration for the dozens of crew placed on disciplinary proceedings.

It will also deliver cabin crew a two-year pay deal.

In a letter to union members recommending the deal, Unite's general secretary Len McCluskey said: "This agreement gives all of us an opportunity to move forward. It will not be easy, but throughout the dispute we have only ever sought an honourable settlement.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the new chief executive values cabin crew and wants a bright future for all.

"I believe that your continued community spirit and solidarity will guarantee such a future and I strongly recommend that you vote yes."

The ballot ends on June 22, and if accepted by the crew, the deal will be implemented with immediate effect.