24 Hour Strikes could wreck Bank Holiday Flights at Gatwick and Stansted
Travel Insurance News - 18/08/2008
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Passengers travelling from Gatwick and Stansted this bank holiday have been warned they could face queues and delays to their flights as a 24 hour strike by baggage handlers at Swissport has been announced.
Swissport provides baggage handlers and check-in staff at Gatwick for 16 carriers including First Choice, Monarch, Thomsonfly and Virgin Atlantic and at Stansted for 12 airlines including Ryanair, Easyjet, Thomsonfly and First Choice.
The first 24 hour strike will start on bank holiday Monday and a second is already planned for the following Friday. Further action at other airports will escalate the problem if they also agree to strike action and ballots are being taken at Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle airports.
The strike follows the rejection by the trade union Unite of a 3 per cent award by Swissport. The worst effects will be at Stansted and could be far worse if 30 luggage screeners also walk out in another pay dispute.
Ryanair have already said that if action does take place they will only accept carry on luggage. It will bring chaos to both airports as many families take a last minute holiday before the school holidays come to a close.
Passengers on affected airlines are advised to check with their airline before leaving for the airport.
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Bank Holiday Flights at risk with 24 hour strike
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