First BAA UK Airport Strike Called Off
It has been announced that the first of a trio of strikes planned across the network of British airports owned by airport operating group BAA will now not go ahead. The announcement was made by union leaders after discussions held on the last day of 2007, which were intended to resolve fears over a proposal to change BAA workers’ pension rights.
Airport Strikes Would Affect London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted
The strikes would impact on the seven airports under BAA’s control, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Stansted.
According to BAA itself, the disruption would touch 1.3 million passengers.
The unions involved - the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCSU) and Unite – had previously said that three strikes would take place. These were scheduled to be held on the 7th and the 14th January (these lasting 24 hours), with a further strike slated for January 17th (48 hours). All would begin at 0600 hours.
BAA Employee Pension Scheme Issue Behind Airport Strikes
The strikes are a reaction to the abandonment by Ferrovial – the Spanish owner of BAA – of the final salary pension scheme in respect of new employees.
According to union officials, the January 7th strike was averted after the 31st December talks saw some progress being made.
Pension Deal Approval Could See All Three Strikes Pulled
A skeletal deal covering the pension situation had now been attained and, from here onwards, will be assessed by union delegates. If approval is subsequently forthcoming, the other two strikes will also be pulled.
Unite represents approximately 6,000 BAA airport employees – security staff and firefighters among them. In their absence, BAA’s seven UK airports, which include Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton, as well as the London trio, would be put out of operation.
A few days before yesterday’s pivotal discussions, previous talks had been held, but ended inconclusively.
A BAA spokesman stated the following:
"Following a productive discussion, BAA and the trade unions have reached an agreement in principle. The trade unions will now consult their members on the proposed agreement and, to allow sufficient time for that, have agreed to call off the industrial action planned for 7 January.
"BAA and the trade unions will meet again on 4 January."
Source – Airport International’s London Reporter
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