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11
Dec 2024
Union warns strikes could ground Christmas flights at Leeds Bradford Airport
Passengers with Christmas holidays booked could see their flights affected by strike action at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Almost 50 members of trade union Unite who work at Leeds Bradford are taking 16 days of industrial action from December 19 to January 4.
Ramp agents employed by aviation company Swissport International are taking the action after their employer refused to make additional "de-icing" payments that Swissport workers in other airports receive, according to Unite.
The workers are predominantly employed on Ryanair flights at the airport so that airline is expected to be worst hit.
Unite said the staff, whose starting pay is £11.75 per hour, perform tasks such as moving airplanes around the terminals, baggage handling and operating specialist vehicles.
They undertake additional de-icing duties in cold weather, but Swissport has refused to award the £125 a month additional payment to workers at Leeds Bradford for this even though employees at other airports receive it, according to Unite.
A Swissport ramp handler. Image: Swissport
Swissport recently made pre-tax profits of £10.5 million in the UK.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
Swissport is making millions off the backs of our members who work at all times of day and night, in all weathers, doing a tough and vital job ensuring planes are safe to use. That they are being denied this additional payment beggars belief. Unite won't stand for our members being hard done by in this way.
Unite regional officer Chris Muscroft said:
Our members literally sign paperwork that makes them accountable for all the lives on board a plane. Our de-icing trained members are out from very early in the morning and are expected to cover any delays beyond finish times.
The strike will cause enormous disruption to flights at the airport. But this dispute is entirely a result of Swissport’s Scrooge-like behaviour.
A spokesperson for Leeds Bradford said:
Leeds Bradford Airport remains committed to working closely with our business partners to minimise any potential disruption to our customers.
A spokesperson for Swissport said:
We have been in open discussions with unions regionally and nationally, with all parties fully engaged. These have been productive to date and will continue.
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