Edinburgh Airport security staff strike threat
24.06.08
Edinburgh Airport security staff have said that they will consider striking over allegations of bullying by managers, the Scotsman reports. It says that unions are to launch a grievance procedure against airport operator BAA in a bid to tackle the complaints, which include accusations of workers being forced to work longer hours, not being able to take breaks and bullying by senior staff.
Security staff have told the newspaper that morale was at rock-bottom because of increased pressure in the face of tough new rules on passengers carrying hand luggage and liquids. However, a spokesman for BAA said it took any allegations of bullying seriously but had yet to receive any official complaint.
Sandy Smart, regional industrial organiser of the Transport and General section of the Unite union, told the Scotsman: ‘There is a lot of ill-feeling among the staff at the airport. It is an operational issue and is something we are trying to resolve through a grievance procedure.'
‘We had an similar issue a few years ago and that was sorted out, but it seems to be back. There is a lot of pressure on the security staff these days. It is a difficult job, and over the summer season Edinburgh Airport is extremely busy. It is early days in terms of what will happen, but I am confident it is something we can address by getting round the table with BAA.’
An Edinburgh Airport spokesman said: ‘We take any allegation of bullying or harassment extremely seriously and thoroughly investigate every complaint. However, we have received no such official complaint.’
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