Menu
16/08/2005
Talks in Heathrow catering row break down
Talks between catering firm Gate Gourmet and the Transport and General Workers Union have broken down after the two sides failed to reach an agreement.
Discussions resumed earlier today in an attempt to resolve the dispute, which resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of British Airways flights last week.
The TGWU and Gate Gourmet are deadlocked over the re-employment of the workers who were sacked last week. The union want all the workers to be reinstated – an option, which is not favoured by the company.
The dispute began on Wednesday last week, when over 650 staff from Gate Gourmet, who provide catering on British Airways flights, were sacked, over alleged unofficial strike action.
The sackings prompted around 1,000 fellow union members on the BA staff to walk out on an unofficial strike in support. The ensuing dispute resulted in the cancellation of around 700 BA flights at a cost to the company of around £40 million.
However, BA flights are now almost back to normal, with reports that only 155 passengers remain stranded because of the disruption. On Friday, around 70,000 passengers were left stranded because of the catering dispute.
The row intensified yesterday when an article in the ‘Daily Mirror’ suggested that the company had planned in advance to provoke the workers into an unofficial strike, in order to sack staff.
Gate Gourmet blamed managers who were no longer with the company for drafting the document in question as a proposal.
Eric Born, CEO Gate Gourmet UK, said: “The recommendations within previous managers’ proposal were sheer lunacy. Clearly stories like this are planted in newspapers to try and derail the negotiation process by people who have no interest in safeguarding jobs at Gate Gourmet.”
Gate Gourmet has stated that it is facing a financial crisis and needs to restructure the company. Last year, the firm reportedly lost £23 million and faces losing another £25 million this year.
(KMcA/SP)
Discussions resumed earlier today in an attempt to resolve the dispute, which resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of British Airways flights last week.
The TGWU and Gate Gourmet are deadlocked over the re-employment of the workers who were sacked last week. The union want all the workers to be reinstated – an option, which is not favoured by the company.
The dispute began on Wednesday last week, when over 650 staff from Gate Gourmet, who provide catering on British Airways flights, were sacked, over alleged unofficial strike action.
The sackings prompted around 1,000 fellow union members on the BA staff to walk out on an unofficial strike in support. The ensuing dispute resulted in the cancellation of around 700 BA flights at a cost to the company of around £40 million.
However, BA flights are now almost back to normal, with reports that only 155 passengers remain stranded because of the disruption. On Friday, around 70,000 passengers were left stranded because of the catering dispute.
The row intensified yesterday when an article in the ‘Daily Mirror’ suggested that the company had planned in advance to provoke the workers into an unofficial strike, in order to sack staff.
Gate Gourmet blamed managers who were no longer with the company for drafting the document in question as a proposal.
Eric Born, CEO Gate Gourmet UK, said: “The recommendations within previous managers’ proposal were sheer lunacy. Clearly stories like this are planted in newspapers to try and derail the negotiation process by people who have no interest in safeguarding jobs at Gate Gourmet.”
Gate Gourmet has stated that it is facing a financial crisis and needs to restructure the company. Last year, the firm reportedly lost £23 million and faces losing another £25 million this year.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 August 2005
Gate Gourmet and union talks end in deal
Talks between the troubled airline catering firm, Gate Gourmet, and unions aimed at resolving the ongoing industrial dispute have reached a preliminary deal.
Gate Gourmet and union talks end in deal
Talks between the troubled airline catering firm, Gate Gourmet, and unions aimed at resolving the ongoing industrial dispute have reached a preliminary deal.
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.
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.
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.
27 September 2005
Catering firm and union reach deal
In-flight catering firm Gate Gourmet and the Transport and General Workers Union have announced a provisional deal that looks likely to bring the long running dispute to an end. While no details have yet been released the deal will be put to staff on Wednesday.
Catering firm and union reach deal
In-flight catering firm Gate Gourmet and the Transport and General Workers Union have announced a provisional deal that looks likely to bring the long running dispute to an end. While no details have yet been released the deal will be put to staff on Wednesday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
