British Airways strike: dispute goes international as Unite officials meet US union

The Unite union has received backing from unions in America and Europe over its BA strike plans.

The Unite union has received backing from its US counterpart, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, as well as large European unions.

The Conservatives continued their attack on the union, which is Labour’s biggest financial backer, and condemned the attempt to “internationalise” the looming strike.

A spokesman for the Teamsters confirmed that its transport union was “mobilising” support for its BA “brothers and sisters”.

On Wednesday in Washington representatives from Unite will meet with officials from the Teamsters Airline Division.

That will raise fears that disruption - which will begin this weekend - could be extended beyond Britain.

Theresa Villiers, the shadow transport secretary, said: “Labour’s union paymasters at Unite seem hell-bent on causing maximum disruption for passengers and maximum damage to BA.

“The news that Unite are pulling out all the stops to frustrate the efforts BA is making to keep their passengers flying and save their holidays will be greeted with anger and frustration by all the unfortunate victims of this irresponsible strike.

“Unite should not be striking at all and trying to spread the dispute to other countries is even more irresponsible.”

A Teamsters spokesman said: “We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Unite who are fighting for a fair contract at British Airways.

“The Teamsters are an active member of the International Transport Workers Federation. ITF affiliates around the world are mobilizing to support British Airways workers in their fight for passenger safety and worker respect.

“Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa has been in communication with Unite’s Joint-General Secretary Tony Woodley regarding his members’ struggles with British Airways management.”