THOUSANDS of British Airways cabin crew are to be balloted for industrial action in a row over new contracts, it was announced today.

Unite said 14,000 of its members at the airline will vote on whether to launch a campaign of action in protest over the imposition of the employment contracts.

Derek Simpson, the union’s joint general secretary, said: "BA management’s determination to impose unacceptable contractual changes on cabin crew leaves us no alternative.

"We will strongly support our members if they vote for industrial action, while of course remaining ready to negotiate with the company.

"Negotiation, not imposition, is the only proper way to conduct industrial relations."