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BA suspends staff over web posts BA suspends staff over web posts
(about 1 hour later)
British Airways has suspended a number of staff after what it called "inappropriate comments" posted on the Unite union website. British Airways has been accused of "a cyberspace witch-hunt" after it suspended 15 cabin crew members.
BA says it has asked the union to remove the comments but that it will not tolerate "intimidation of staff". The airline said it had acted over "inappropriate postings" made on the website of union Unite, adding it would not tolerate "intimidation of staff".
Unite, which is currently balloting 13,000 BA staff on strike action, says there have been no such comments posted on its official website. But Unite, which is currently balloting 13,0000 BA staff on strike action, says the alleged comments were made on Facebook and not on its website.
It says the airline is referring to an unofficial forum. The union would "vigorously defend" its members, a spokesman added.
A Unite spokeswoman said she was sceptical that the suspensions were solely to do with internet posts. Unite said it doubted the suspensions were solely to do with internet posts.
Unite is currently balloting 13,000 members who work for BA strike action in what is an increasingly bitter and tense fight for the company's future. The two parties are locked in what is an increasingly bitter and tense fight for the company's future.
A 12-day strike that had been planned over Christmas was halted after the High Court said it was illegal following concerns about how the ballot had been organised.A 12-day strike that had been planned over Christmas was halted after the High Court said it was illegal following concerns about how the ballot had been organised.
The new strike ballot among cabin crew will open on 25 January and conclude on 22 February, the union recently said it would not strike over the Easter period.The new strike ballot among cabin crew will open on 25 January and conclude on 22 February, the union recently said it would not strike over the Easter period.