BRITS could face further travel chaos this summer as more Heathrow staff members threaten strike action.
Security staff at the travel hub almost staged 29 days of walkouts earlier this summer, while air traffic control strikes in France have also caused problems for travellers across Europe.
AlamyBaggage handlers could leave passengers without their luggage[/caption]
Now baggage handlers at Heathrow are being balloted with potential strikes being discussed for later this year.
Unite, the UK’s leading trade union, has announced today that its members at Vanderlande Industries are to be balloted to strike over pay.
Around 170 workers conduct high-end maintenance and servicing of baggage carousels, ensuring passengers’ luggage is delivered into the terminal buildings safely.
If the handlers do decide to take industrial action, Unite say it could bring all terminals and airline baggage handling “to a standstill”.
The ballot opens today (Friday August 11) for three weeks until 1 September.
The union claims that Vanderlande has made two below-inflation pay offers that have been roundly rejected by Unite members.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Workers at Heathrow Airport employed by Vanderlande do a safety and security critical role that passengers depend on.
“The fact that their employer refuses to recognise this, as shown by their pitiful pay offer, speaks volumes.
“They should be ashamed that, during a cost-of-living crisis, they are acting in such a penny-pinching manner.”
Unite Regional Officer, Russ Ball, added: “Vanderlande is treating its workers appallingly and Unite’s complete focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of its members will mean that our members at Heathrow will receive the union’s unflinching support.”
Sun Online Travel has contacted both Heathrow Airport and Vanderlande Industries for comment.
Heathrow isn’t the only airport to be facing strikes from its baggage handlers, with Gatwick also set for walkouts this month.
Unite members working for ground handling company Red Handling will strike for four days from August 18, and a further four days from August 25, which includes the bank holiday.
Members of the union employed by Wilson James, which operates Gatwick‘s passenger assistance contract, will walk out for three days from August 18, and a further three days from August 22.
Airlines such as Norwegian, Delta, TAP and Norse Atlantic are just some of those that could be affected, with more than 216 flights set to be disrupted.
Union members at Humberside Airport could also walk out due to a dispute over pay, with discussions taking place this week.
Meanwhile, back in July easyJet confirmed they would cancel 1,700 flights over the summer to prevent last-minute daily cancellations.
And Ryanair has been forced to cancel a number of flights to a popular European holiday destination.
AlamyGround staff have threatened walkouts at Heathrow Airport this summer[/caption] Read More