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11/08/2005
BA suspends check-ins as catering dispute escalates
British Airways has been forced to suspend all check-ins at London’s Heathrow Airport, after staff walked out in support of sacked catering staff.
The company at the centre of the row, Gate Gourmet, have reportedly now sacked 800 workers since the dispute began on Wednesday. The company, which is the sole supplier of catering for BA flights, said that the sackings followed an unofficial strike.
However, the Transport and General Workers Union accused Gate Gourmet of provoking a dispute over restructuring plans and accused the company of planning the sackings in advance.
It has been reported that BA staff, including baggage handlers, loaders and bus drivers, walked out on Thursday afternoon in support of the sacked Gate Gourmet staff, prompting BA to suspend all check-ins at Heathrow.
Many of BA’s long-haul flights have been left without catering due to the dispute. Earlier on Thursday, BA said that all of its Heathrow flights would have no catering on board and it urged customers to eat before leaving for the airport or to allow extra time at the airport to eat a meal.
Bags of food and vouchers were also handed out to BA passengers at Heathrow on Thursday, prior to boarding flights.
It was reported that over 500 BA short and long haul flights were forced to depart with only basic supplies of water, tea and coffee on Wednesday.
BA is understood to be considering compensation for those passengers affected.
Any passengers flying on BA flights from Heathrow over the weekend are urged to call the helpline on: 0870 850 9850 or check the website for information at: www.britishairways,com
(KMcA/SP)
The company at the centre of the row, Gate Gourmet, have reportedly now sacked 800 workers since the dispute began on Wednesday. The company, which is the sole supplier of catering for BA flights, said that the sackings followed an unofficial strike.
However, the Transport and General Workers Union accused Gate Gourmet of provoking a dispute over restructuring plans and accused the company of planning the sackings in advance.
It has been reported that BA staff, including baggage handlers, loaders and bus drivers, walked out on Thursday afternoon in support of the sacked Gate Gourmet staff, prompting BA to suspend all check-ins at Heathrow.
Many of BA’s long-haul flights have been left without catering due to the dispute. Earlier on Thursday, BA said that all of its Heathrow flights would have no catering on board and it urged customers to eat before leaving for the airport or to allow extra time at the airport to eat a meal.
Bags of food and vouchers were also handed out to BA passengers at Heathrow on Thursday, prior to boarding flights.
It was reported that over 500 BA short and long haul flights were forced to depart with only basic supplies of water, tea and coffee on Wednesday.
BA is understood to be considering compensation for those passengers affected.
Any passengers flying on BA flights from Heathrow over the weekend are urged to call the helpline on: 0870 850 9850 or check the website for information at: www.britishairways,com
(KMcA/SP)
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12 August 2005
Talks to begin over Heathrow catering row
Talks are set to begin in an attempt to resolve the industrial dispute, which has led to the cancellation of flights and the stranding of over 70,000 passengers at London’s Heathrow airport.
Talks to begin over Heathrow catering row
Talks are set to begin in an attempt to resolve the industrial dispute, which has led to the cancellation of flights and the stranding of over 70,000 passengers at London’s Heathrow airport.
15 August 2005
Catering dispute talks as BA flights resume
Talks in an attempt to resolve an industrial dispute that had sparked the chaos which stranded 70,000 passengers at Heathrow, are expected to resume today. The sacking of around 670 workers at in-flight meals company Gate Gourmet led to sympathy action by BA baggage handlers.
Catering dispute talks as BA flights resume
Talks in an attempt to resolve an industrial dispute that had sparked the chaos which stranded 70,000 passengers at Heathrow, are expected to resume today. The sacking of around 670 workers at in-flight meals company Gate Gourmet led to sympathy action by BA baggage handlers.
22 March 2010
Day Three Of BA Strike
British Airways cabin crew have entered their third day of stoppage over pay and working conditions. Disgruntled union members will leave the picket line at midnight, but are prepared to return on Saturday for a further four days of industrial action.
Day Three Of BA Strike
British Airways cabin crew have entered their third day of stoppage over pay and working conditions. Disgruntled union members will leave the picket line at midnight, but are prepared to return on Saturday for a further four days of industrial action.
23 August 2005
BA ‘optimistic’ about Gate Gourmet deal
British Airways have said they are “optimistic” of reaching a new deal with its troubled catering supplier Gate Gourmet. On Monday, the US-owned catering firm warned that its UK operation faced collapse unless a new deal could be secured with BA by 17:00BST.
BA ‘optimistic’ about Gate Gourmet deal
British Airways have said they are “optimistic” of reaching a new deal with its troubled catering supplier Gate Gourmet. On Monday, the US-owned catering firm warned that its UK operation faced collapse unless a new deal could be secured with BA by 17:00BST.
29 September 2005
Deal agreed in Gate Gourmet dispute
A deal has been reached by catering firm Gate Gourmet and the Transport and General Workers Union to bring an end to the long-running dispute at Heathrow Airport. The row began in August when nearly 700 catering staff, mainly Asian women, were sacked by the US-owned firm in a row over the restructuring of the company.
Deal agreed in Gate Gourmet dispute
A deal has been reached by catering firm Gate Gourmet and the Transport and General Workers Union to bring an end to the long-running dispute at Heathrow Airport. The row began in August when nearly 700 catering staff, mainly Asian women, were sacked by the US-owned firm in a row over the restructuring of the company.
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