Job losses for baggage handlers at Liverpool Airport
20.01.07
More than 100 baggage handlers are to be made redundant at Liverpool Airport. Airport managers yesterday told ramp service workers 104 jobs would have to be cut as a contract to handle baggage for easyJet will not be renewed in April.
The airport provides baggage handling for the majority of its users, but easyJet wants check-in and baggage handling to be run by one firm, as happens at its other UK bases. A third party - believed to be Penauille Servisair - has won easyJet's contract to provide both services.
The airport will cut handlers employed by the Airport Company, owned by Liverpool Airport owners Peel Holdings, by 50% within nine months, and force airport chiefs to amend shift patterns and hours of work of many of the remaining 105 staff. It is hoped the 104 axed workers will be rehired by Penauille Servisair.
Neil Pakey, chief executive of Peel Airports, said: 'We are naturally concerned for those staff members affected by this decision. However we recognise that this change will bring a more seamless service for easyJet, bringing their Liverpool operation in line with other airports across their network. The airport will be doing all it can to help redeploy these staff with the ground handling operator appointed to provide this service and keep net job losses to a minimum.'
The GMB union - which represents the majority of baggage handlers - said its members were unhappy at the news. Union officials said they accepted a pay cut just over three years ago to prevent redundancies and remain competitive in a bid to help the airport prosper. But now they claim they face applying for the same job with a company which has worse terms and conditions. Talks between the union and the airport are planned for Monday.
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