GMB Members At London Stansted Airport To Stage Two Stoppages Next Weekend In Pay Dispute

The members voted earlier to reject a pay offer by 9 to 1. They have now voted 3 to 1 in  an official strike ballot for industrial action to secure an improved offer.

GMB this morning have given official notice to Swissport that the members will stage two stoppages next weekend to secure an acceptable deal. The stoppages will take place as follows:

05.00 Saturday 26^th August to 08.00 Sunday 27^th August

05.00 Monday 28^Th August to 08.00 Tuesday 29^th August

The GMB submitted a pay claim for these 500 members in April 2006. One item in the claim was for a premium rate for Sunday working in addition to a substantial pay review. The company have not met the claim for Sunday premiums and the pay offer they have put on the table comes with an unacceptable string of clawing back more money from members who are off sick.

The members provide ground handling services like check in and baggage handling for about 80% of the passengers who use LondonStansted  Airport. They provide this service to  RyanAir and Easy Jet and a number of the holiday charter airlines who use the airport.

Gary Pearce, GMB Officer who deals with Swissport said "Our members at Stansted deeply regret having to take this type of action but because of the company's action have been left with no alternative. 

This action will severely disrupt the Ryanair, Easyjet and charter flights out of Stansted over the four days during the Bank Holiday.

The GMB urge Swissport to reconsider their offer.  The GMB are willing to meet with the company in an effort to resolve this dispute.

GMB members who provide essential services to airlines that are very profitable are facing huge increases in the cost of living  and need a decent pay rise and those who are sick can not afford a drop in income"

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Contact:  Gary Pearce, GMB Office on 07850 036 952, GMB ChelmsfordOffice 01245 345 165 or Steve Pryle, GMB Press Officer on 07921 289 880