Talks bid to avert airport strike

5:51pm Wednesday 20th August 2008

Talks were continuing tonight in an effort to avert a planned series of airport strikes that could cause travel chaos over the bank holiday weekend.

Cabin staff and baggage handlers are due to take part in a series of 24-hour stoppages involving Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester airports over the next few days.

Officials from the two unions involved - Unite and the GMB - are meeting with bosses of the management company in the dispute, airport services business Swissport, at conciliation service Acas.

Last week it was announced that baggage handlers and cabin crew working for Swissport would hold 24-hour strikes at Gatwick and Stansted on bank holiday Monday and on Friday August 29.

Earlier, after an overwhelming ballot in favour of strike action by Unite staff, it was announced that there would be a 24-hour strike at Manchester Airport on August 27 and another 24-hour strike there on September 1.

The unions involved are unhappy with a Swissport pay offer and are also concerned about new sick-pay arrangements.

A spokesman for Unite said that the union was looking for an improved offer before any progress could be made on trying to avert the strikes.

Gary Pearce of the GMB said: "These are last-ditch talks and the employers need to put more money on the table if they are to avoid a strike next Monday."