BA launches investigation into Heathrow strike

British Airways has launched an official investigation into last week’s unofficial strike action, which resulted in the walkout of around 1,000 staff.

The wildcat strike, which involved ground crew, such as baggage handlers, cargo workers and bus drivers, was held in support of over 600 workers sacked from catering firm Gate Gourmet, which supplies meals for BA flights.

The unofficial action caused the cancellation of 700 flights and left as many as 100,000 passengers stranded at Heathrow airport. The disruption was estimated to cost BA as much as £50 million.

In an open letter to staff, BA chief executive Sir Rod Eddington said that those who had participated in the strike had behaved in “an unlawful way” and would not be paid for the time they were absent from work.

BA is also investigating claims that staff had been bullied into joining the strike. A telephone hotline has now been set up for staff to report any incidences of bullying or harassment to participate in the strike. The firm warned that any employee found to have engaged in intimidation of other colleagues could face dismissal.

Sir Rod described the strike action as “outrageous” and said that it was “a body blow that defies belief”. He said: “Never before have we had to cancel the entire operation at our worldwide base.”

Talks between Gate Gourmet and the Transport and General Workers Union have yet to be resolved. Gate Gourmet has refused to reinstate the sacked employees, who were dismissed over allegations of unofficial strike action.

The catering firm, which is reported to have lost £25 million last year, is facing a financial crisis and is trying to introduce a restructuring plan.

BA is still unable to provide a full catering service on their flights due to the ongoing dispute.

On Wednesday, the airline announced that long haul flights had a limited onboard service of snacks and drinks. Arrangements had also been made to provide some catering for passengers at the airport, prior to departure.

Due to the current industrial action at Gate Gourmet we are still unable to provide full catering onboard our aircraft.

BA has advised customers, especially those with specific dietary requirements or those travelling with children, to eat before leaving for the airport, or to allow extra time to eat at the airport.

(KMcA/SP)