Talks Tomorrow in Bid to Avert Airport Strikes

Talks are to take place tomorrow to try to prevent strike action by baggage handlers and check-in staff at Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester and Stansted airports.

Workers from the ground handling company Swissport based at the four airports have overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay. Swissport’s clients include Ryanair, Thomas Cook and Thomson at Stansted, Monarch, Thomson, Thomas Cook and Virgin at Gatwick, and Virgin at Heathrow.

According to the union, Unite, 94 per cent of workers balloted voted in favour of a walk-out, but the union is meeting Swissport management tomorrow in a bid to resolve the matter.

Unite’s National Officer Oliver Richardson said “In the light of this overwhelming mandate for action Swissport has requested talks which we are happy to attend so we can try to resolve this matter,” I am sure passengers feel the same as if the strike goes ahead it will inflict maximum disruption to holiday makers and business travellers.