Airports face holiday strike action

 

Baggage handlers at Gatwick and Stansted have voted to back strike action in a dispute over pay.

 

Workers at Manchester airport previously voted in favour of industrial action over the Bank Holiday weekend.

 

All are members of the Unite union employed by Swissport.

 

Unite claims Swissport has gone back on a 2.75% pay deal agreed last year and is seeking an urgent meeting with the company in an attempt to settle the dispute.

 

The union’s national officer for civil aviation Steve Turner said: "Our members have demonstrated clearly that they are prepared to take part in industrial action and are willing to fight for fair pay.

 

"These workers deserve recognition for their hard work and their continued commitment, instead Swissport has turned its back on the workers and failed to honour its side of the agreement.

 

"The union's shop stewards will consider the appropriate course of action whilst urging Swissport to return to the negotiating table and make a fair offer to avoid any industrial action.

 

But Swissport boss Mark Faulkner reportedly told the BBC that the threats were a "cynical attempt to ruin the holiday plans of airport users".

 

by Phil Davies