The ongoing row between British Airways and cabin crew union Unite over travel privileges may now end up in the courts. Unite is claiming that BA is in breach of legislation on European Human Rights. If the fight does enter the courts, Unite will also claim that BA did not follow the correct disciplinary procedures when removing travel perks.

In a statement, BA said that it would defend the fact that it had always acted in accordance with the rules, and that it totally rejected the union’s claims. The ongoing battle follows BA’s cabin crew voting to reject the airlines latest pay offer.

When BA’s cabin crew started their long running conflict with their employer the issue was over working conditions and BA’s proposed cost-cutting measures. When the cabin crew first voted to hold walkouts BA boss, Willie Walsh, made it clear that anyone who decided to try to harm BA financially would put their travel perks at risk.

Mr Walsh has always maintained that the travel perks are not a contractual right, but a privilege. In a recent statement the airline repeated this fact and reiterated that striking cabin crew were at risk of losing travel concessions. Over the last few months the argument over the reinstating of perks has been at the forefront of the argument between Unite and BA.

BA has offered to give back the travel perks, but without the privileges usually given to longer serving staff, such as first place in the queue for a stand-by seat. Staff who went out on strike will take their perks at the level of any worker who has just joined the airline.