The plans of the British Airways management - under which the airline considered cutting costs by thousands of job losses and a two-year pay freeze - have been rejected by the company’s workers.

According to a spokesman, feelings among the airline workers were “running high” at a meeting held today, of more than 2,000 employees, close to Heathrow airport. He said: “They have sent a very clear message that they don't want us to make any further concessions that would lead to an assault on their terms and conditions.”

The airline is making hard efforts to deal with the downturn in air travel, and, in May, reported a loss of £401m.

Already a controversy has been ignited by the carrier after it asked its staff to take unpaid leave, reduce hours or even work for nothing for up to a month, to conserve cash. This request by BA was referred to as “insulting” by the union.

Wednesday would see the commencement of fresh talks between BA and its workers.

Though there is no threat of a strike action, disruption over certain issues is a clear possibility.

Back in 2003, an unofficial strike hit BA over its terms and conditions, and was the carrier was grounded again in 2005 by a dispute over catering staff.