Travelers using the UK’s busiest airport will face additional delays as hundreds of employees vote on whether or not to strike. The GMB trade union has issued a strike ballot to British Airways employees in a dispute over a pay cut during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hundreds of airline employees working as check-in and ground staff at Heathrow will vote on whether to strike over the summer. Such a move would add to the inconvenience for travellers who are already dealing with long lines and passport application delays.
The voting period will end on June 23. GMB stated that it expected a decision the same day.
The dispute stems from a 10% pay cut imposed on Heathrow employees during the pandemic. According to the GMB, other BA employees were given a 10% bonus, and bosses’ bonuses were reinstated, while check-in employees received nothing.
All these workers want is the pay they lost during the pandemic due to BA’s cruel fire and rehire policy,” said Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer. Bosses have it back, other workers have it back, so why not these devoted Heathrow employees?
“These devoted employees have endured horrific abuse while keeping passengers moving during a period when staff shortages and IT failures nearly brought the airport to a halt.” It’s past time they took back what is rightfully theirs. If BA wants to avoid industrial action, which could disrupt many summer vacations, they must provide it.”
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