BA Seeks Outside Help to Avert Strike

British Airways, hoping to avert a strike by flight attendants next week, said it has sought help from outside mediators. Union officials said they would look at the airline’s proposals but would prefer face-to-face negotiations as Wednesday’s strike deadline nears. The airline said it came up with a plan to address concerns of the 8,500 members of British Airline Stewards & Stewardesses Assn., who are threatening to strike for three days over pay. British Airways has vowed to fly through any strike, but the union says it can shut down the airline during part of the peak summer season, which would have a maximum impact on earnings. The airline said it presented its new plan to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, a government-appointed body that tries to help solve labor disputes. British Airways has offered the flight attendants raises in basic pay but wants greater flexibility in work rules, which could help it save money on overtime pay on long-haul flights. Flight attendants worry this will cut their overall pay.