BIRMINGHAM Airport passengers are facing the prospect of having no onboard food or drink during long and short haul flights catering workers ballot for strike action.
More than 700 Dnata workers providing food for airlines at Birmingham, Heathrow, Gatwick, Glasgow, London City, Stansted, Bristol and Manchester airports are balloting for strike action over changes to terms and conditions for warehouse and delivery workers.
If strikes go ahead Emirates, TUI, EasyJet, Ryan Air and Air India flights from Birmingham Airport could be impacted.
Union, Unite say Dnata is refusing to consult with representatives on plans that could impact how rostering, variable working, annualised hours, seasonal working, absence management and annual leave allocations are carried out.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Dnata’s attempts to bypass its workers and force through damaging changes to terms and conditions will not be tolerated. Unite’s Dnata members have their union’s full and unflinching support in fighting its underhand attempts to impose these plans.”
Dnata bosses say they are surprised and disappointed by the union’s recent statement claiming the company is changing terms and conditions without consultation, which is entirely inaccurate.
A spokesperson said: “Despite our continuous efforts to reach a fair solution, Unite has rejected our reasonable proposals to enhance wages and conditions and initiated a ballot for industrial action.
“We have already implemented and paid a salary increase to our team to address cost-of-living pressures and recognise their contributions to the company. Our current, competitive offer is in line with market conditions, reflecting industry standards and comparable roles in the sector.
“We have consistently sought to engage in constructive discussions with the union throughout the negotiation process.
“We remain open to further dialogue and are committed to achieving an agreement that serves the interests of all parties and ensures the sustainability of our organisation.”
Unite say the industrial action ballot will close on December 5, with strikes potentially being scheduled over the Christmas period.
A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “The threat of industrial action impacting the airline’s catering companies is concerning.
“However, we’d like to reassure passengers travelling out of Birmingham Airport that most of our caterers and retailers, in the departure lounge, have take-away menus.
“This will ensure that customers can stock up on both hot and cold food and drinks before their flight.”
