Labour frontbencher David Lammy has issued a grovelling apology to British Airways workers, saying he "made a mistake" in condemning their strike action over pay.
The Shadow Foreign Secretary told broadcasters on Sunday that he "categorically" did not support BA check-in staff who have backed a potential walkout over the airline's refusal to restore a 10% pay cut imposed by the airline during the pandemic.
Unite boss Sharon Graham reacted furiously, accusing Mr Lammy was "supporting bad bosses" and launching a "direct attack" on staff threatened with fire and rehire tactics.
However, in a letter sent to a constituent, Mr Lammy admitted he was "not across the details" of the pay dispute and thought BA staff were asking for an above-inflation pay rise of 10%.
It comes as Labour leader Keir Starmer faces widespread criticism for cracking down on Labour MPs joining rail workers' picket lines during the RMT union's strike action last week.
The letter, leaked to the Mirror, says: "Last Sunday in a live interview with the BBC, I misheard Sophie Raworth’s question about BA workers.
"When she said that workers wanted to reverse a previous pay cut of 10%, I mistakenly understood it to mean that they were seeking an above inflation pay rise.
"I was not across the details of the case. It is right that those of us in public life admit when they have made a mistake. With this in mind, I apologise to all BA workers.
"During the pandemic, BA workers were threatened with shameful ‘ fire and rehire’ tactics and had their pay slashed. That’s why I supported Labour ’s call for ‘fire and rehire’ to be banned in 2020, as well as aviation sector support with a clear commitment to protect skilled workers and working conditions in the industry."
Asked if he would support BA staff who are being balloted by the GMB and Unite unions to strike, Mr Lammy told BBC News on Sunday: “All of us are feeling the pinch with inflation.
“Many of us might want a (pay) rise of 10 per cent; in truth, most people understand it’s unlikely that you’re going to get that.
“It absolutely would not be right, it would not be responsible opposition, if I suggested yes to every strike.”=
Pressed on whether he supports the proposed strike by check-in staff, he said: “No, I don’t. No I don’t – it is a no, it’s a categorical no.”
