No delays at Stansted as strikes begin
STANSTED Airport operated as normal yesterday in spite of industrial action by baggage handlers.
Members of the Unite and GMB unions working for contractor Swissport staged the first of three planned walkouts yesterday as part of a dispute over work rotas.
Unite claims that Swissport’s measures would mean ramp staff work 14 extra days a year with no additional pay.
Further strikes are planned for over 26-28 May, and 2-6 June, meaning disruption is possible over the diamond jubilee bank holidays.
But Swissport said that contingency plans meant passengers did not experience delays yesterday.
The company handles cargo and baggage for a number of airlines at Stansted including Ryanair, Monarch and Thomson.
Paul Bouch, Unite regional officer, said: “Swissport has forced our members’ backs to the wall. After eight weeks of talks the company is still determined to press ahead with its unreasonable roster and holiday allocation changes.”
“The revised roster would avoid the necessity of imposing compulsory redundancies,” Swissport’s spokesman said.
Talks between the unions and Swissport broke down last week.