Academics have signed a letter accusing British Airways chief Willie Walsh of wanting to "break the union" representing striking cabin crew.

The letter, sent to the Guardian newspaper and published on its website, was signed by 95 employment relations experts from universities across the UK, including Oxford’s Ruskin College.

It states: "Given the near certainty of further strikes, it is clear to us that the actions of the chief executive of British Airways, notwithstanding his protestations to the contrary, are explicable only by the desire to break the union which represents the cabin crew.

"What other possible interpretation can there be for Willie Walsh rejecting Unite's acceptance of BA's previous offer or indeed of his marshalling of resources, including those of bitter industry rival Ryanair, to undermine the action of his staff?"

The signatories accuse Walsh of having a "macho management strategy" which will lead to worse working conditions for staff.