‘Stop this attack on workers’ call

Unite, the UK’s principal aviation union, has reacted with deep concern following reports that Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) is to begin the formal process of firing and rehiring workers on vastly inferior pay and conditions.

Reports suggest that the company has today (Wednesday 2 September) issued a formal section 188 notice to begin a consultation process which would result in workers being fired and rehired on inferior contracts.

The action of Heathrow airport follow negotiations between HAL and Unite last month on the company’s proposals to cut pay by 24 per cent for some workers, slash allowances, impose inferior conditions and to also close the company pension scheme.

Unite the union is currently formally putting the proposals to the workforce in a consultative ballot.

“HAL’s actions are extremely unhelpful and further undermine confidence in the industry,” said Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King.

“Our members have worked tirelessly throughout Covid-19 pandemic to conduct industrial relations via the media in such a brutish manner is designed to create fear and panic in a group of key workers.

“HAL’s actions have made already difficult negotiations even more fraught.

 “Unite is currently balloting its members on the proposals HAL’s actions demonstrate that it is not prepared to allow democracy to run its course.

 “At a time when Unite is working hard to persuade the government to follow the lead of other European nations and provide specific financial support to the aviation sector to ensure that the industry and workers can survive the pandemic and thrive in the future, these actions are distinctly unhelpful.”

King continued, “It should not be forgotten that HAL is an incredibly wealthy company at the start of the pandemic it boasted of a £3.2bn war chest. These attacks in pay are not about survival but introducing measures to boost future profits.

“Unite urges HAL to withdraw this ill-judged attack on its loyal workforce and to return to the negotiating table as had been previously agreed,” added King.

By Barckley Sumner