British Airways cabin crew begin 5-day strike

LONDON (AP) - The union representing British Airways cabin crew has begun a five-day strike but the airline says it will still be able to carry 70 percent of passengers who have booked flights.

Monday's strike follows the failure of weekend talks between the Unite union and the airline. A key issue is the union's demand that the airline restore employee travel benefits which the airline suspended following an earlier strike.

The union's joint leader, Tony Woodley, says BA already has secured its aim of cutting 1,700 jobs. Woodley said the dispute has turned personal because he believes the airline dislikes the cabin crew union.

British Airways says it has accepted an invitation for more negotiations, and says it believes the union will also accept.