Clocking-on row that erupted into dispute

ABOUT 900 ground staff - including those on the check-in desks and baggage handlers - are involved in the row.

The airline has made an offer of a 3% pay rise but this has been held up because it is conditional on staff accepting a new electronic clocking-on system. BA insists this will simply replace a paper-based method and that the new system is widespread across British industry.

Employees, however, fear being sent home during quiet periods and having to make up the time during busier days. BA said this was 'absolute nonsense' and workers were then told the new system was being implemented today, sparking the walkouts.

The company says the system is needed to monitor working patterns and shift arrangements. A spokesman said that if the company is shedding jobs - as it intends to do - proper monitoring is vital, particularly in a busy area such as Heathrow.

BA is midway through massive restructuring plans that will mean losing about a quarter of its entire workforce - 13,000 jobs. It wants to reduce costs by £650m a year.