Union warns BA job cuts will hit Olympics
Union leaders have warned that British Airways’ plans to axe 170 jobs from Gatwick and transfer another 400 members of staff to an external supplier will damage morale and affect customer service during the Olympics.
BA announced today that is was discussing its proposal with trade unions to transform its Gatwick operation.
It said the steps were part of a wide-ranging plan to strengthen its operation, cut costs and safeguard jobs for the future.
However, the trade union GMB described the news as "a disaster for staff morale".
Regional officer Gavin Davies said: "GMB has up to now enjoyed good industrial relations with BA at Gatwick. This announcement of 170 job losses and 400 staff to be outsourced is a disaster for staff morale at BA at Gatwick.
"Particularly so because in the run up to the Olympics, the uncertainty around jobs will lead to rock bottom morale and this will impact on customer service levels at a time when morale needs to be high.
"GMB will want talks with the company to get to the bottom of what it is trying to achieve at Gatwick and we will want to see proper consultations with our members on the way forward. GMB members want BA to take this announcement off the table to allow this to happen."
BA’s proposals include outsourcing the ramp work, including baggage, de-icing and coaching operations, and the arrivals baggage service, and combining roles within customer services.
"We hope to agree a proposal with the trade unions to offer anyone who works on the ramp a role with a new external supplier, under TUPE transfer legislation," said the airline in a statement this afternoon.
"We will do all we can to minimise the impact on people in the customer service teams, but it is likely there may be some staff reductions in this area and among the management team and support structure.
"As a traditional full service carrier with a long history, we have to meet the challenge of transforming our cost-base to compete more effectively in the shorthaul market, while continuing to deliver outstanding service and value for our customers."
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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