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Unite in US talks over BA strike Unite in US talks over BA strike
(about 2 hours later)
British Airways union Unite is to meet its US counterpart Teamsters on Wednesday to discuss the strike by the airline's cabin crew.British Airways union Unite is to meet its US counterpart Teamsters on Wednesday to discuss the strike by the airline's cabin crew.
Teamsters, the main transport union in the US, confirmed that the meeting had been arranged.Teamsters, the main transport union in the US, confirmed that the meeting had been arranged.
It said it would "stand in solidarity" with Unite, but it is unclear what part, if any, the US union would play in the strikes.It said it would "stand in solidarity" with Unite, but it is unclear what part, if any, the US union would play in the strikes.
The first strike by BA cabin crew is due to begin on Saturday.The first strike by BA cabin crew is due to begin on Saturday.
Unite played down the meeting, saying that Unite would be meeting Teamsters officials to explain the background of the dispute.Unite played down the meeting, saying that Unite would be meeting Teamsters officials to explain the background of the dispute.
"Unite has received a large number of inquiries from unions around the world offering their support to cabin crew," it said in a statement."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 the Teamsters said: "The Teamsters are an active member of the International Transport Workers Federation.A spokesman for the Teamsters said: "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.""ITF affiliates around the world are mobilising to support British Airways workers in their fight for passenger safety and worker respect."
But the Business Secretary Peter Mandelson said: "It doesn't mean talking to the international trade unions will deliver them [Unite] what they want."
He said that the government was urging both Unite and BA management to continue negotiations to move away from a strike.
The shadow transport secretary, Theresa Villiers, said Unite was "seeking to make things worse and internationalise the dispute".The shadow transport secretary, Theresa Villiers, said Unite was "seeking to make things worse and internationalise the dispute".
"I gather the aim in talking to these other trade unions is to seek to block BA flights from landing during the period of the dispute," she said."I gather the aim in talking to these other trade unions is to seek to block BA flights from landing during the period of the dispute," she said.
Teamsters has 1.4 million members in the US, including 40,000 workers in the aviation industry.Teamsters has 1.4 million members in the US, including 40,000 workers in the aviation industry.
BA said it was "sad" to see Unite "seeking backing from trade unions overseas to support its unjustified strike against an iconic British brand".BA said it was "sad" to see Unite "seeking backing from trade unions overseas to support its unjustified strike against an iconic British brand".