Union representatives paid tribute to a new chief executive who they said was a factor in negotiating a pay deal following a stand-off. Recent changes of leadership at British Airways and Unite was seen to renew a desire to reach agreement. Union members voted that the latest offer should be put to a full ballot. One member at the meeting who had been sacked during the dispute, Duncan Holley, said there had been a "wind of change" at BA under new chief Keith Williams.