Strike Looms at Manchester Airport

LONDON - Unite, the UK’s biggest civil air transport union, is balloting its
members working at Manchester Airport for industrial action in a dispute over
restructuring which has resulted in job cuts, pay cuts and the introduction
of an unpopular shift pattern.

Over 100 Swissport ground handling staff at the airport, including
baggage handlers and ramp operatives, will receive ballot papers this
weekend. Unite is warning that industrial action will see passenger services
at the airport seriously disrupted in the lead up to and during the Easter
holidays.

Unite says the company has refused to hold meaningful talks with the
union over the reorganisation, and is urging Swissport to resolve the dispute
by seeking immediate discussion of the workers concerns.

Unite Regional Officer, Lawrence Chapple-Gill, said:

“We are extremely disappointed that our members have to contemplate
strike action in order to make the company listen to reason.

“We urge Swissport to sit down with us and discuss these restructuring
plans properly, rather than simply impose them.”

The ballot commences this Friday, 13th March, with the result to be
announced on Monday, 23rd March 2009.

Source: Unite the Union

For further information contact Lawrence Chapple-Gill on +44(0)7876-444773 or Mark Di-Toro in the Unite press office on +44(0)7918-640-579.