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jonathan Paisley

BRITISH Airways could be forced to cancel all flights out of Glasgow for six days next month unless the cabin crew strikes are called off.

Domestic and European flights out of Heathrow and Gatwick will be grounded next Tuesday and Wednesday, affecting 32 flights from Glasgow, during a 48-hour strike over sick-leave policy, pay and staffing.

Union leaders have also threatened two 72-hour strikes in February unless there is a negotiated settlement in the bitter dispute.

continued...BA also warned of further cancellations on either side of the official strike dates because crew and planes will be out of position.

The airline said customers due to travel on a BA flight cancelled by the strike could claim a full refund, rebook their flight for a later date or be rebooked by BA with another airline.

Tony Woodley, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union, held private talks with BA chief executive Willie Walsh, which lasted well into the evening last night in a bid to break the deadlock.

He will report any progress to branch officials today - but time is running out for the strike to be prevented.

T&G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said: "We are ready to resume talking at any time.

"Our members are fed up with being bullied into coming to work when sick and with the divisions caused by poverty-level new-entrant pay scales.

"They see customer care being cut and the airline's reputation damaged by bungling management.

"A new settlement is crucial built on respect for the cabin crew."

In a statement to the London Stock exchange, BA said: "The airline remains committed to pursuit of a negotiated settlement before next Tuesday, but wants customers to have early warning of its flying schedule."

BA said customers should check the airline's website - ba.com - for further information or call 0800 727 800.