Swissport Workers At Belfast City Airport Set To Vote On Strike Action

Swissport workers at Belfast City Airport are to vote on whether to take strike action over the dismissal of a Union representative.

Unite the union said they have served a notice on Swissport management informing them of an industrial action ballot.

The ballot will open on 08 September and is to close on 27 September.

Ballot to close on September 27th with possibility of strike action commencing in October

Unite Regional Officer, George Brash said: "We have been forced into conducting this ballot by the disgraceful actions taken by this employer. Recently they dismissed a Unite the union steward as part of a sustained campaign that targeted him for his trade union activities.  

"Our representative has faced continued hostility from management up to, and including, inequitable treatment by comparison with co-workers on several occasions. 

"The members, Unite in Northern Ireland and our UK-wide National Negotiating Committee are unequivocal in our support for this member. The actions of Swissport management are indefensible. 

"The right to collective organisation and active membership of a trade union is a fundamental human right. Our union will not sit back and watch as one of our members is targeted in this way. In our unity, there is strength. 

"In the coming weeks the company have an opportunity to resolve this matter. Unite strongly urges them to do so given the likelihood that industrial action will result in significant disruption to services at Belfast City Airport.  

"Unfair and unjust treatment meted out to this shop steward cannot go unanswered. To this end Unite is encouraging our members to return a strong mandate in support of his fair and equitable treatment."

(CD/MH)