Divisive offer

Unite’s members working for the airport ground and cargo handling company dnata have been faced with a pay offer that’s significantly less than their supervisors, which, they say, will create a workforce of “haves” and “have nots.”

 
A resounding majority of 83 per cent of members, working across Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports, backed strike action, to begin on Tuesday (December 23) if management continues in its refusal to go to Acas and negotiate sensibly.

 
The offer, which has supervisors receiving a 4.5 per cent pay rise, while other staff receive only a 2.25 per cent rise has angered dnata’s workers, who are instrumental in keeping the country’s airports running smoothly.

 
Unite has over 460 members working for the cargo and ground handling company, with the majority working at Heathrow airport. The members include check-in staff, aircraft push back drivers, loaders and HGV drivers.

 
“It is extremely disappointing that dnata has acted in such a high handed way and sought to split the workforce between the haves and the have nots,” said Unite regional officer Kevin Hall.

 
“Strike action is very much a last resort and our members are mindful of the potential disruption it could cause,” he added. “But they feel frustrated with an employer that has refused point blank to go to Acas and negotiate in a sensible manner.

 
“Our members are angry over the inequality being shown within dnata and we would urge management to join us at Acas to reach a fair pay deal.”

 
Dnata’s main customers include Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Iran Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airways, New Zealand Airways, Pakistan International Airlines, US Airways, Eva Air, Qantas Airways and Oman Airways.

 
Stay tuned on UniteLive.org for the latest on the potential strike action.