Gatwick workers to strike

Gatwick workers to strike

Friday, 15, Aug 2008 03:27

Baggage handlers and check-in staff employed by Swissport at Gatwick have voted to take strike action on August 25th and 29th.

The strike will halt all baggage handling and check-in operations across airlines including Virgin Atlantic, Monarch, Thomson Fly, First Choice, North West, Air Malta, Air Transat, Oman Air as well as some smaller airlines.

The dispute over pay is likely to spread to other UK airports in the coming days and weeks.

Swissport have offered three per cent increase backdated to July rather than the anniversary date of April 1st and in a two-year offer, RPI capped at four per cent in year two. The RPI is currently five per cent.

The company offer also removes sick pay for the first three days of any absence due to illness, including industrial injury. The union is calling for an increase in excess of five per cent in a one year deal without concessions.

Unite members at Swissport will also shortly be balloted at Birmingham and Newcastle airports which could see an escalation of industrial action across the UK’s airports covering baggage handling, check in and other ground services.

"Our members are already struggling to keep up with rising food and energy costs," said Unite national officer Steve Turner.

"This pay offer is an insult to professional, hard working men and women who have to operate in extremely difficult conditions."

A BAA spokesperson said: "BAA Gatwick is disappointed to learn that the trade union representing some Swissport employees has voted for strike action later this month.

"BAA Gatwick is working closely with the handling agent and the airlines it represents to minimise the potential impact on passengers planning to travel on the proposed strike dates."