Stop BAA fire sale of Gatwick Airport
17 September 2008
Commenting on the news today that Gatwick Airport is to be
put up for sale, Steve Turner, Unite national officer for aviation
said:
"It simply beggars belief that a For Sale sign can be hung
across the country's second largest airport. Gatwick is a core
component of the national infrastructure and an essential part of
the UK's aviation sector, yet it is to be flogged off with little
care for the wider social impact.
"This is devastating news to the many hundreds of
professional, loyal and dedicated staff at Gatwick Airport and it
will hit passengers too..
" At a time when the sector is being battered by the
credit crunch, faces tough challenges in soaring fuel prices and
new security measures, aviation needs stability, not the fire sale
of a profitable, significant airport.
"BAA must reconsider this decision and have the confidence
to argue the case with the competition authorities. And government
cannot sit on the sidelines while our national airports are de
stabilised.
"This is yet another failure of regulation but Unite will
not stand by while workers pay the price with their jobs and
passengers see services cut."
Unite is concerned that BAA is attempting to pre-empt the
final report of the Competition Commission which is expected to
seek the break up of the airport group. Unite argues that break up
will lead to higher costs and diminished services as cross
subsidies end and the dash for profits overrides the need for
improved services to carriers and travellers alike.
Ends
For further information call Pauline Doyle on 07976
832861.
