This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/business/8511729.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
BA suspends staff over web posts BA suspends staff over web posts
(about 3 hours later)
British Airways has been accused of "a cyberspace witch-hunt" after it suspended 15 cabin crew members.British Airways has been accused of "a cyberspace witch-hunt" after it suspended 15 cabin crew members.
The airline said it had acted over "inappropriate postings" made on the website of union Unite, adding it would 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".
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.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.
The union would "vigorously defend" its members, a spokesman added.The union would "vigorously defend" its members, a spokesman added.
Unite said it doubted the suspensions were solely to do with internet posts.Unite said it doubted the suspensions were solely to do with internet posts.
The two parties are locked 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.
BA wants to make big changes in the terms and conditions of its staff.
Cuts
The company wants three quarters of its crew to accept pay rises of 2-7% this year and a pay freeze in 2010.
It also wants 3,000 staff to switch to part-time working, along with a reduction in onboard crewing levels to 14 from 15 on long-haul flights from London's Heathrow airport.
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.