BA cabin crew agree to flight cuts.

BRITISH Airways cabin crews agreed "unwillingly" yesterday to fly with fewer staff . But the decision didn't rule out a possible strike over Christmas, with a ballot still on the cards.

The Unite union agreed cabin crews would fly with cuts going ahead - until the issue is heard in court in February. But Unite said they were still opposed to the cuts and would be poll their members as planned on possible industrial action.

Their concession followed outof-court discussions.

Unite spokeswoman Pauline Doyle said they were separate issues, adding: "We will absolutely ballot our members. That is imminent." The estimated five-day hearing next year will look at Unite's call for a permanent injunction to keep BA from imposing cost-cutting measures, set to begin this month.

They will also seek compensation for workers if BA are found at the trial to have breached contracts.

The airline released a statement urging Unite to "withdraw plans for an industrial action ballot and resume discussions with us". BA later said they were "pleased" to be able to proceed, in the interim, with changes which include voluntary redundancy requests for more than 1000 crew and for part-time working from more than 3000.

Unite's QC, John Hendy, said the changes would be detrimental to staff and passengers - but they would work to the new schedules"in thelightof"atrialdatebeingset.

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DISPUTE: British Airways