UK’s biggest airports facing strike action in the new year

Employees at airports operated by BAA are to ballot for strike action later this month which could mean severe disruption to tens of thousands of Britons planning to fly in the new year.

Members of the Unite union, which include firefighters, security, maintenance and administration staff at major UK airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Aberdeen, are furious at plans to stop new staff joining the final salary pension scheme from December 1 and are to vote on strike action. If the staff vote in favour, a strike could take place.

However, BAA bosses have said there is no need for disruption and that the door is open for negotiation. A spokesman for BAA said we regret the union’s threat of industrial action, particularly in the Christmas period. It fails to put passenger interests first. Now is the time to talk

Spanish company Ferrovial, which purchased BAA in 2006 for £10.1billion, announced the plan in September and has promised a scheme of the highest quality for new employees. However, Brendan Gold, national officer at union Unite, said it is clear that the pension scheme is financially sound and should be left alone. BAA and Ferrovial should understand that the workers have lost trust in them. He added that closing the final salary scheme was regarded as the first step in axing it for everyone.

Industry sources said if firefighters strike, the airports will have to close. Furthermore, a protest by security staff – particularly at a time of increased terror threat would be disastrous.

Story link: UK’s biggest airports facing strike action in the new year