BA check-in staff absenteeism triples
Absenteeism among British Airways check-in staff was reportedly at triple its normal rate yesterday, causing long delays for travellers at Heathrow airport.
According to The Guardian, one in 10 check-in staff called in sick following the announcement that 3,000 workers who are members of the GMB union are likely to strike over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The newspaper reports that departure boards at Heathrow stated some flights were running up to three hours late because of the staff shortages.
A source reportedly told the newspaper: “The strike is on, in effect, without it being declared.” As reported, the GMB yesterday declared that the strike would take place on either 27, 28, 29 or 30 August, and would be a 24-hour stoppage.
The union’s national organiser Allan Black is quoted as saying: “We have no interest in closing down British Airways and do not want to see the public inconvenienced. We are doing everything we possibly can to resolve this dispute.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
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