09/09/2014

Heathrow Strike Action Expected On Friday

Passengers flying out of Heathrow are being told to expect delays on Friday, as the Unite union warns of strike action by ground handlers in a dispute about pay.

Delays to aircraft taking off and passengers disembarking are to be expected, Unite said.

Unite represents over 500 ground handlers and said the management of aviation company ASIG "broke down yesterday" (Monday) over a delayed 2013 pay award which it says "should have been implemented 14 months ago". ASIG is a subsidiary of BBA, the largest ground handler at Heathrow. The deal on offer for handlers is 5.5% over two years, which Unite has described as "unacceptable".

The strike will run from 00:01 on Friday for 24 hours and the airlines affected will be at Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

Unite regional officer Michelle Braveboy said: "The prospect of incipient chaos for thousands of passengers should concentrate the minds of management and get them around the table again to negotiate a fair settlement.

"While the company was awarded the privilege of being the main ground handler at Terminal 2 and has grown since 2013 by winning many new contracts, it has forgotten the staff who have contributed so greatly to that success.

"We are still negotiating on the 2013 pay award which should have been paid in July last year and are now having to negotiate a two-year deal as this year's anniversary date has already passed."

(IT/JP)

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