Jobs row at Stansted airport
23rd February 2010
A row is brewing between SR Technics, the biggest aircraft
maintenance company at Stansted, and the Unite union over the
potential loss of 345 skilled engineering jobs at the airport.
The company, which maintains easyJet aircraft, has announced
that it intends cut 345 jobs at Stansted by moving its components
services to Zurich, Switzerland. This means the company will exit
the Diamond Hangar at Stansted, including disposal of the lease.
This in effect closes SR Technics' operations at Stansted except
for the line operation.
Unite regional officer, Chris Jones, said: “The current economic
conditions mean that these skilled workers will find it extremely
difficult to find alternative employment. They are angry and
frustrated that their jobs are being exported abroad by an
expanding company which refuses to even consider any alternatives
to job cuts.
"The workers’ patience is running out. They expect the company
to work with the union to avoid job cuts as much as
possible."
Unite have been involved in the consultation process on a weekly
basis since 13 January; this is due to end on 19 April 2010.
SR Technics has refused to look at alternatives to job cuts, for
example changing terms and conditions or changing working practices
in order to keep the jobs at Stansted.
There is a clear indication that the company wishes to
centralise all their component work in Zurich. Unite has questioned
the cost of doing this work in Zurich as, in some cases, the union
believes it is more expensive than in the UK.
ENDS
Ciaran Naidoo 07768 931 315
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