Manchester Airport workers vote overwhelmingly for industrial
action
19th August 2009
Members of Unite, the UK’s largest trade union, employed as
baggage handlers, terminal cleaners and workers responsible for
refuelling aircraft at Manchester Airport have voted overwhelmingly
for industrial action in a dispute over pay.
300 Unite members, employed by Swissport, Rentokil/Initial and
ASIG (which provide refuelling services for Shell) took part in
separate ballots and voted in favour of strike action. Workers at
Rentokil/Initial and ASIG are in dispute over a 0 per cent pay
offer while workers at Swissport are angry that the company has
reneged on a pay deal agreed in 2008.
Unite is seeking an urgent meeting with Swissport management in
an attempt to settle the dispute and avoid industrial action.
Further talks are planned with Rentokil/Initial on Friday 21st
August and ASIG on Monday 24th August ahead of the August Bank
Holiday weekend.
Unite regional officer, Lawrence Chapple-Gill, said: “Workers at
Rentokil/Initial and ASIG are in dispute over a 0 per cent pay
offer while workers at Swissport are angry that the company has
reneged on a pay deal agreed last year. All these workers cannot
afford to be treated like this by their employers. Our objective is
not to have people on strike, but in work and being fairly
paid. These workers deserve recognition for their hard work
and their continued commitment.
“Our members have demonstrated clearly that they are prepared to
take part in industrial action and are willing to fight for fair
pay.
“It is time for the employers to come back to the negotiating
table and make a fair and decent offer to avoid any potential
industrial action happening during the peak August Bank Holiday
weekend."
ENDS
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