British Airways CEO Walsh to meet Unite union leader for 'unconditional' talks

London: British Airways said Willie Walsh, its chief executive officer, has offered to meet with Unite union leader Tony Woodley in an effort to head off a Christmas strike by cabin crew.

Walsh told Unite he's prepared to meet with Woodley at 3 pm today London time and that the talks should be ‘unconditional’.

British Airways was set to begin legal action against the Unite union in an attempt to prevent a planned 12-day Christmas strike by cabin crew.

The walkout threatens to ruin the festive travel plans of up to one million passengers.

The airline gave Unite a deadline of 2pm Wednesday to call off the walkout.

BA is working with its One World Alliance partners to find available seats for passengers booked on long-haul flights over Christmas. Thousands of passengers nonetheless remain uncertain whether they will be able to go ahead with their travel plans.