From the Times:-
January 22, 2003
Easyjet's pilots look at strike
By Russell Hotten and Ingrid Mansell
PILOTS at easyJet, Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, are considering strike action over a dispute about flying hours and whether they should be served in-flight food.
The British Air Line Pilots Association (Balpa) is carrying out an “indicative” strike ballot over the next two weeks ahead of another round of talks with easyJet’s management.
Jim McAuslan, Balpa’s general secretary, has sent a letter to its 750 members at easyJet, claiming the airline’s current offer is “unacceptable”.
He writes: “I have to tell you that the gap between us may not be bridged. (We want) you to indicate whether you will be prepared to support some form of industrial action.”
Although a pay deal has been approved, Balpa says it cannot press on with completing the deal because other issues are unresolved. The biggest outstanding dispute concerns rotas.
Mr McAuslan met Ray Webster, easyJet’s chief executive, on Friday and plans to meet again early next month.
An easyJet spokesman said: “We are disappointed that Balpa has raised the issue of industrial action. This seems unnecessary when talks are still going on.”