16/08/2010

Talks Begin Over Threatened Airport Strike

BAA and the Unite union are holding talks today aimed at averting a strike which could close six British airports later this month.

Employees including security staff, engineers and firefighters voted in favour of strike action last week over a 1.5% pay offer, which BAA described as "fair and reasonable during a very difficult economic climate for the aviation industry".

Industrial action could close Heathrow, Stansted, Southampton, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen airports.

If the strikes go ahead, they could begin from next week, with fears that a strike could be called for the August Bank Holiday weekend, to ensure maximum impact.

The talks are set to take place at an undisclosed location, supported by the conciliation service Acas.

BAA said that it hoped to "quickly conclude an agreement, in the interests of the travelling public, our airlines and our staff", while Brian Boyd from the Unite union told reporters that he was "hopeful" that a deal could be reached.

(KMcA/GK)


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