Birmingham airport staff may strike in pay row
“We are now waiting to see what Swissport have to say for themselves. It is potentially serious because if Swissport say they are not going to pay then there will be a ballot for industrial action.
“They are a big player at Birmingham Airport.”
A worker, who did not wish to be named, said there was anger among staff, of which there are at least 150 in Birmingham.
He said: “We agreed a deal that should have been paid by now and the company is trying to get out of it.
“The company says it has no money to pay us a rise at all.
“The union is looking at what the next stage is but everybody is really angry. There is no point in having these kinds of deals if they are not going to stick to them.”
A Swissport spokesman said: “As part of a pay agreement a minimum increase of 2.75 per cent was agreed.
“However, in common with the rest of the world, the subsequent economic events were obviously not foreseen.
“Yet, despite our customers seeking reductions in prices, the company has expressed its commitment to increase both the salaries and benefits of its employees.
“We have invited the trade union to join with us in seeking ways both to increase revenue and productivity and reduce costs to fund these improvements.
“But unfortunately they have refused to enter into any discussions.
“The company is, however, continuing to consult with its employees to explore all ideas and suggestions that will enable improvements to be made to both salaries and employee benefits.”
A spokeswoman for the airport said Swissport was one of four companies that provided ground services for them.
She said the airport had not been informed of any dispute and that commenting on potential disruption would be “speculation at this stage.”
