British Airways’ Heathrow staff have voted to accept new working practices which include more flexible working arrangements.

The deal, which was agreed with the Unite and GMB trade unions, covers 2,850 staff based at Terminals 3 and 5.

This follows agreements already reached with Balpa, the union representing the airline’s pilots and its engineers represented by Unite.

The main features of the new deal are agreements on flexibility, and arrangements for meal and other breaks.

Willie Walsh, chief executive at British Airways, said: “This is another important step towards securing permanent structural change and the long term future of the company. It also underlines our commitment to working with all of our trade unions, including Unite.

“I am delighted our colleagues have voted in favour of the productivity deal that offers them future job security and will provide a more flexible, cost-efficient and customer focused ground operation at Heathrow.”

Mick Rix, national officer for civil aviation at GMB, added: “This vote is a ringing endorsement of all the hard work done by GMB workplace representatives at BA over 12 months to achieve a negotiated settlement to secure a future for the airline.

“GMB members hope the future for BA will be bright and that when growth resumes the prosperity can be shared between our members and the company.”

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