Manchester Airport has become the latest victim of proposed industrial action by baggage handlers and check-in staff.
With talks continuing over a series of stoppages at Gatwick and Stansted airports, it was confirmed yesterday (August 19) that two 24-hour strikes will now also hit Manchester.
The walk-outs – by staff of ground services company Swissport – have been scheduled for Wednesday August 27 and Monday September 1.
Up to 97 per cent of Unite members at Manchester voted in favour of the industrial action, which coincides with two proposed strikes at the London airports on Monday August 25 and Friday August 29.
Services by Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, KLM, Air France and Monarch will all be affected in Manchester, while the London walkouts will also hit easyJet, Ryanair, First Choice and Thomsonfly.
Justifying the union’s tough stance, Unite spokesman Mick Whitley said Swissport’s “paltry” pay offer and unfavourable sick arrangements had necessitated the action.
He commented: “The staff working for Swissport at Manchester Airport are making it abundantly clear that they will not accept the erosion of their pay and terms and conditions.”
