Talks between British Airways and union leaders were brought to an abrupt end when protesters stormed the meeting.
Dozens of demonstrators from the Socialist Workers Party breached security at the London offices of the conciliation service Acas. It is not known how much progress was made in the last-ditch talks aimed at averting strikes by cabin crew.
The latest strikes follow a long-running dispute over jobs, pay and working conditions. The two sides sat around the negotiating table for more five hours on Saturday before the protesters interrupted the meeting. More than 100 demonstrators gathered outside the building, saying they were there to show solidarity with BA cabin crew.
Banners and shouting
Those who made it to the 23rd floor, where the talks were taking place, came face to face with BA chief executive Willie Walsh and Tony Woodley, joint leader of Unite. Mr Woodley angrily remonstrated with the protesters telling them to "shut up". 1
Press as Spectators
During the fracas the press turn their attentions to the protestors rather than Walsh, the role of spectator is emphasised when video footage is then broadcast over the Internet, one becomes fascinated by the tribal actions of the protestors.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/10140911.stm
1 BBC News, 19:53 GMT, Saturday, 22 May 2010 20:53 UK
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