More Information

More Information: "British Airways has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the unofficial industrial action taken by about 1,000 of its staff last week.

The inquiry will seek to establish the facts of what happened in order to take appropriate action.

The airline is also investigating whether any staff were bullied or intimidated into walking out or staying out.

Groups of baggage handlers, cargo workers and bus drivers staged a wildcat strike last Thursday, causing the cancellation of more than 700 flights and severe disruption for 100,000 passengers.

The stoppage - described by Sir Rod Eddington, British Airways' chief executive, as 'outrageous' - was prompted by the dismissals of 670 staff by the flight catering company, Gate Gourmet.

A special 'Focus on Fact' investigation line has been set up to enable British Airways staff to speak to a third party if they wish to discuss any matters of concern surrounding the decision to leave their work positions. "