Flight chaos threat is rising
THE threat of summer flight chaos at Heathrow and Gatwick airports increased today when a second union rejected the latest pay offer from British Airways.
It could lead to flights being grounded during the height of the holiday season at the end of August and into September.
Union leaders say BA's 8.5% three-year deal for baggage handlers and check-in staff is ' completely unacceptable'.
Members of the GMB union turned down the proposed deal by 98% and are now seeking permission to hold a full strike ballot.
The move follows the breakdown of talks last week between BA and the giant Transport and General Workers Union (T&G) concerning 8,000 ground staff and baggage handlers.
The T&G is considering its options, which include a ballot for industrial action. Brendan Gold, T&G national secretary for civil air transport, said: 'BA has to realise the contribution of these key groups of workers must be valued.'
A year ago wildcat action by check-in staff at Heathrow caused massive delays for 80,000 holidaymakers and business users. The row was over the use of 'swipe cards' used to check in and out of work.
BA has offered ground staff two pay rise options; 8.5% over three years or 10.5% over three years but with the condition that the higher figure would not count towards pensions.
Ed Blissett, the GMB's senior London organiser, said: 'Both offers are completely unacceptable to the people who keep BA flying.'
A spokesman for the company said it had not been notified of the GMB's intended action. BA may now try to involve conciliation service Acas. 'We believe our pay offer is fair and reasonable,' said the spokesman.
