Strikes at major airports in Britain could cause headaches for travelers

Workers voted to strike at Gatwick and Stansted Airports in Britain.  The strike is expected to take place at the end of the month and could affect up to 400,000 people.  Officials hinted that the strike could influence workers at other airports in Britain to strike including Birmingham, Newcastle, and Manchester.

The strike is scheduled to occur on August 25 and August 29.  Those that will be striking are the baggage and check-in staff.  Workers declined the offered 3 per cent increase in wages which resulted in their agreement to strike.  The union wants to see a 5 per cent increase and said the 3 per cent was an “insult.”

John Strickland, who is a consultant for the airlines, has said “The airlines and Swissport will attempt to draft in management and where possible use non-unionized workers. There will be a risk of delays and this is worst time of year for it to happen, at the peak of the summer season when flights are their fullest.”

Unite the Union’s national secretary for aviation, Steve Turner, said that “Our members are already struggling to keep up with rising food and energy costs. This pay offer is an insult to professional, hard-working men and women who have to operate in extremely difficult conditions. Our members have had enough.”

A spokesperson for Ryanair who will likely be affected by the strike said “This strike is totally unjustified. Union chiefs should be grateful that they are getting any increase at all at a challenging time for the global economy.”

www.unitetheunion.org.uk