Unite to take BMI to high court
Derby-based airline BMI is thought to be locked in talks with Unite today, after the union said it would be taking the airline to the High Court for reneging on a pay increase worth up to £6m. Unite claims the pay rise was promised to more than 3,000 staff at the airline. A spokesman for BMI told Insider this morning: “Constructive talks are continuing between BMI and the union and discussions are ongoing.”
The airline is based in Castle Donington, and has offices in Nottingham.
The action is thought to be one of the first of its kind, with Unite taking BMI to the High Court for breach of contract. According to the trade union, a three year pay agreement was entered into in 2007 between its members and BMI, providing pay rises in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
The first two pay rises were paid, says Unite, but due to economic circumstances the union agreed to accept a deferral of the 4.75 per cent pay rise due on April 2009 to 31 March 2010.
However, in early 2010 “it became clear that the company did not intend to honour the agreement," said Unite.
Unite's national officer Brian Boyd said: "Unite is lodging a high court claim against BMI because the company owes its employees a long overdue pay increase. Staff agreed to defer the increase to help the company during difficult times, they are still waiting for the company to honour its end of the bargain. Staff have not had an increase in earnings since 2008.
"Lufthansa - which owns BMI - is a huge airline, and employees need reward for their dedication and loyalty. Unite remains available to meet with BMI but we have already made clear what we consider an acceptable solution."
