Manchester, Stansted and Gatwick Airports Face Strike Threat

All of the passengers that are coming through Stansted, Manchester, and Gatwick airports face bank holiday disruptions due to a strike threat by ground staff. Members of both the GMB and Unite unions, working with Swissport, are balloting over industrial action. This threat of a strike comes after the union members accused the company of backing out on a two year pay deal.

If the walk out by the ground staff gets the go ahead, it will affect baggage handlers and check in staff at the airports during one of the busiest holiday weekends of the whole year. This could cause tons of delays and even cancellations on flights. The results of the ballots are expected to return within just a few days.

Members of the unions have been expecting a 2.75 percent pay raise under an agreement that was struck this time last year. The agreement that was struck a year ago actually prevented another walkout from taking place.

Right now, reports show that Swissport has refused to pay for the increase without implementing cost saving measurements elsewhere, or unless revenue improves. A spokesperson for Swissport said, “The aviation business is severely affected by the current recession with substantial reductions in the number of flights and major airlines announcing cost cutting measures. Swissport has made every effort to minimize the impact of the current market conditions on its employees.”

The airline industry has been getting slammed by the ongoing recession. Airlines and airports alike have been doing all that they can to increase revenue and cut costs. This has involved cutting jobs and issuing pay freezes.

Thanks to www.telegraph.co.uk for the above quote.