British Airways Calls In Mediators

British Airways has put in a request for mediation in its dispute with unions over cost-cutting proposals, the Unite union said.

It is not clear, however, whether the negotiations over conditions for cabin crew, check-in and ground staff would resume after the Unite union said talks through conciliation service ACAS needed to be agreed by both parties.

"There has been no discussion yet with us about reconvening talks through the conciliation service ACAS," Unite said in a statement.

The talks between British Airways and unions ended without resolution by BA's deadline of Tuesday night but Unite said they would restart on Wednesday.

In a separate statement, Unite said it was angry and bemused after BA failed to turn up to talks on Wednesday.

"We will continue to be available to discuss these (proposals) over the coming days and weeks," it said.

British Airways is urgently seeking to cut costs after reporting a record annual operating loss of GBP220 million pounds and has already asked staff to work for free or take unpaid leave in July.