Strike threat at Manchester Airport
11.03.09
Unite, the UK's biggest air transport union, is balloting its members working for ground services company Swissport at Manchester Airport for industrial action in a dispute over the recent restructuring, which it says has resulted in job cuts, pay cuts and the introduction of an unpopular shift pattern.
Over 100 Swissport ground handling staff at the airport, including baggage handlers and ramp operatives, will receive ballot papers this weekend. Unite has warned that industrial action, if approved, will see passenger services at the airport seriously disrupted in the lead up to and during the Easter holidays.
The union says Swissport has refused to hold meaningful talks with its officers over the reorganisation, and it is urging the company to resolve the dispute by seeking immediate discussion of the workers concerns. Unite Regional Officer, Lawrence Chapple-Gill, said: ‘We are extremely disappointed that our members have to contemplate strike action in order to make the company listen to reason. We urge Swissport to sit down with us and discuss these restructuring plans properly, rather than simply impose them.’
The ballot commences this Friday, with the result to be announced on Monday March 23. Strike action could then be launched after a seven day notice period, just in time for the busy Easter getwaway.
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