Heathrow workers balloted over strike

Airline Industry Information, March 16, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Baggage handlers at London's Heathrow Airport are being balloted on possible strikes in a dispute over contracts, the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) has said.

The results of the ballot by nearly 800 workers are expected to be known later this week.

The dispute at Heathrow was sparked after baggage handlers and other workers were transferred from Swissport to Aviance, which provides ground handling services. According to the TGWU 70 workers were transferred on different pay, terms and conditions from existing staff, which led to concerns about a two-tier workforce. Talks will be held on Wednesday (16 March) aimed at solving the dispute and avoiding chaos at the airport over the busy Easter period.

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