British Airways (BA) has lost its appeal to stop its pilots taking strike action after a High Court judge ruled that the ballot had been issued correctly and that the result could therefore stand.
British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) revealed that 93% of its members coxed on 22 July to strike over pay, which could begin as soon as 5 August.
Strike action is set to cause severe delays over the key summer holiday period. Balpa represents about 90% of the airline’s pilots.
BA says it will appeal the judgement, but is also urging the union to return to talks.
In a statement, BA said: "We are very disappointed with today's decision," stated the IAG-owned carrier on 23 July. "We will continue to pursue every avenue to protect the holidays of thousands of our customers this summer."
BALPA is giving BA "one last chance" to negotiate on pay and benefits.
Pilots have rejected BA’s offering of 11.5% rise over three years, which the airline says is “fair and generous”.
Balpa argues that its members deserve a better offer, as BA has been making healthy profits.