Travel - Holidaymakers Facing Airport Strikes in UK

Holidaymakers Facing Airport Strikes

Holidaymakers planning a trip away could face disruption if Unite members
at BAA airports vote for strike action.

Results are expected early this afternoon from Unite members who include
firefighters, security staff and ground staff at airports around the
country.

BAA owns six airports in Britain, including Heathrow and Stansted and, if
the strike action goes ahead, it is expected that thousands of travellers
will be affected.

Unite argues that its members accepted a pay freeze in 2009 but are not
happy with a 2010 pay offer of 1%, plus another 0.5% conditional on
changes to an agreement on sickness rules.

Staff are also angry at missing out on a conditional bonus from BAA, even
though the company narrowly missed its target.

"BAA's measly pay offer is nothing short of confrontational," Unite's
Brendan Gold and Brian Boyd said earlier.

"Last year, staff accepted a pay freeze, their generosity helped the
company, BAA has returned the favour with no bonus and a 1% pay offer when
inflation is currently 5%.

"Unite and BAA have been in talks for months and we are prepared to
continue talking.

"A negotiated agreement can be reached if the company is prepared to be
fairer and more realistic."