BA cabin crew are being balloted for strike action, a move that could affect the busy Christmas getaway period.

Around 14,000 British Airways (BA) crew may strike in early December 2009, after Unite union bosses announced plans to ballot members for strike action over the contractual changes being made by the company.

Negotiations have been taking place over the last nine months between BA and the union, over pay and working conditions and redundancies.

If those balloted vote for industrial action, the earliest they could strike would be early December, which could mean havoc in the busy run-up to the Christmas getaway.

Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary of Unite, said on Monday: “Unite is going to ballot our British Airways cabin crew members on industrial action. BA management’s determination to impose unacceptable contractual changes on cabin crew leaves us no alternative.

“We will strongly support our members if they vote for industrial action, while of course remaining ready to negotiate with the company. Negotiation, not imposition, is the only proper way to conduct industrial relations.”

Earlier this month, BA commented on its cost-cutting plans: “These changes will take place from the end of November. They will not alter contractual terms and conditions for individual crew members, and will not reduce the number of working crew onboard. Without changes, we will lose more money with every month that passes. It is essential we make ourselves more efficient if we are to ensure our long-term survival.”

BA’s Chief Executive, Willie Walsh confirmed these points to The Times newspaper today (Tuesday): “I think this [the ballot] just reinforces my view that the unions have failed to grasp the critical need for BA to make significant changes for the future of the business. We have got a business to run and we have got significant improvements to make in our cost base and all parts of the business have got to contribute to that.”