Virgin dispute talks to resume on Sep 6

Talks between Virgin Atlantic and the British Airlines Pilots' Association (Balpa) are to take place next place Monday as the airline seeks to avert the first strike in its 26-year history.

The dispute surrounds the interpretation of 120 annual rostered days off to which pilots have been entitled until now.

The pilots union today said a meeting with the airline's senior management would take place on September 6 to discuss proposed changes to the time off.

A statement on the Balpa website said the 120 days were the equivalent of an office worker's weekends and bank holidays.

Talks to avoid confrontation between the company and its employees were adjourned last Tuesday without agreement.

Balpa said its national executive council is to meet on Thursday to review plans for industrial action in the event talks end in stalemate.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) last week said it was aware of developments and was ready to step in to assist parties if required.

ACAS is also mediating in the on-going British Airways' cabin crew dispute over pay and conditions.