British Airways is facing a new strike threat with the results of a cabin crew union vote being announced today (Monday). There are around 12,000 Unite union members voting again on if they will launch an industrial action campaign after their first 12-day strike over Christmas was overturned by the High Court, who ruled that the strike ballot was voted on illegally due to staff who didn’t work for the airline placing their votes.

There has been a huge dispute going on between British Airways and Unite union for months over pay, working conditions and the loss of jobs. Both sides have tried countless times to compromise on the issue, but talks have broken down every time.

After losing the battle to strike in December, losing a second legal case on Friday was a blow to Unite. They failed to argue that the changes British Airways is making to working practices and cuts in crew members are unlawful, breaking staff contracts. However, the carrier successfully argued that they are within their rights to make the changes, and the court agreed with them. This has surely made the striking cabin crew more angry that things aren’t going their way, so strike action has become imminent – especially since more than 80% of the union members voted in favor of industrial action just two months ago.

With an agreed on strike, Unite will have to give a 7 day notice before their industrial action begins, which means that they could start it as soon as March 1. However, British Airways isn’t threatened the strike will be over Easter, as the union has already ruled that out.