Union To Announce Baggage Handlers Strike Vote This Week At Stansted Airport

March 26, 2012

GMB is balloting 150 baggage handlers employed by Swissport, claiming shift changes have led to cuts in pay

Source Press Association Mediapoint

The result of a strike ballot by baggage handlers at a leading airport in a row over pay will be announced this week.

Members of the GMB union at Stansted Airport in Essex have been voting on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action, raising the threat of possible walkouts over Easter.

The GMB is balloting 150 baggage handlers employed by Swissport, claiming shift changes have led to cuts in pay, with the result due on Thursday.

Union official Gary Pearce said: "We have offered several alternative shift patterns and working arrangements but the company refuses to listen. GMB members consider that Swissport is attempting to make savings at their expense and they are not willing to agree to this. If they vote for action this could result in disruption over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.''