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ARCHIVED - Ryanair baggage handler pay dispute threatens summer flights at Stansted
A baggage handler strike could jeopardise dozens of flights to Spain
As chaos reigns in airports across the United Kingdom, further disruptions look increasingly likely as unions representing Ryanair baggage handlers are threatening to ballot for strike action if a pay increase isn’t secured.
Last month, staff employed by baggage handler Blue Handling rejected a 4% pay deal after wages were slashed by 10% in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The company employs 750 workers who are responsible for the luggage on around 200 flights a day at London Stansted during the summer months.
Union Unite accused Ryanair and Blue Handling’s parent company ABM of being “irresponsible” for refusing to “pay decent wages,” thus placing the holiday plans of thousands of Britons in jeopardy in the coming month if strike action is declared.
Unite regional officer, Burcin Bayazit, said: "Spiralling food and energy prices mean that workers are struggling to afford the basics.
"Blue Handling's client Ryanair has recovered well from the pandemic. Blue Handling must ensure that our members are repaid the money the workers lost during COVID.
"The company needs to get serious otherwise it could face significant disruption this summer."
Further negotiations are planned in the coming days, but Unite has stressed that its members are ready to take part in an industrial action ballot if their salaries aren’t reinstated.
A Ryanair spokesperson said that the company is aware of the ongoing dispute and hopes that the situation can be resolved without resorting to a strike.
Blue Handling is said to be “very disappointed” that the proposed pay rise was rejected by workers, a sum which the company believed fair as the industry continues its “fragile recovery” following the coronavirus pandemic.
"The signed agreement reflected the current climate of recovery to ensure we can continue to provide a competitive service at Stansted, while accelerating pay restoration for our team members," a Blue Handling representative said.
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