Thomas Cook staff could strike, warns union

Thomas Cook staff could strike over pay and travel concessions warns union.

Unite said a strike action ballot of more than 900 staff is scheduled to start on 11 June and close on 9 July.

The union has urged Thomas Cook to meet with staff to avoid industrial action and claims the operator has failed to address the workers" concern in talks.

The threatened strike action follows Thomas Cook"s decision earlier this year to review its holiday concession scheme and introduce a pay freeze across the whole of the UK business.

Unite national officer for aviation, Oliver Richardson, said: "Staff are working hard in difficult circumstances, but feel let down by the imposition of detrimental changes and a pay freeze. A strike vote is a last resort.

"We would urge management to get back around the table and start to seriously address the concerns of staff over detrimental changes and a pay freeze, allowances and travel concessions."

Thomas Cook said it believes that of the 1800 cabin crew it has in the UK, only half are members of Unite.

A spokesperson for Thomas Cook UK & Ireland said: "We have asked all our staff in the UK for their understanding and support while we effect the necessary changes to return Thomas Cook to a position of strength in the UK.

"We have gained that understanding and support from the vast majority of our people. We believe that the cabin crew in the UK understand the challenges facing the business.

"It's hugely disappointing that Unite is attempting to scupper our UK turnaround plans but we remain available to talk to them."