Unite union to meet with US counterpart over BA strikes

Reports claim the union Unite, which represents British Airways (BA) cabin crew, is to meet with its US counterpart Teamsters later today.

It is believed the union will discuss with Teamsters, the main transport union in the US, the two planned BA cabin crew strikes, the first of which is due to start this week.

"Unite has received a large number of inquiries from unions around the world offering their support to cabin crew," it said in a statement.

A spokesman for Teamsters told the BBC: "The Teamsters are an active member of the International Transport Workers Federation.

"ITF affiliates around the world are mobilising to support British Airways workers in their fight for passenger safety and worker respect."

BA has announced 60 per cent of its customers will be able to fly as planned during the strike action. The decision to strike by the union followed a long-running dispute with the airline to settle cabin crew concerns over changes to pay, conditions and job losses.