28 October 2005
Birmingham International Airport faces the second strike over the Christmas period in a row as Amicus trade union is preparing to ballot for industrial action at the Airport over the sacking of two members of staff.
The union will issue ballot papers to its members on 3 November with the results expected on 18 November. Subject to the result the union will decide what action is deemed necessary but it is expected that in the absence of a deal the airport will face closure in the run up to the Christmas period.
The trade union which represents more than 200 members of staff at the airport said three allegations made against the two men suspended are without foundation and is demanding their immediate reinstatement.
Amicus says that covert surveillance techniques used by Birmingham International Airport breached Data Protection and Human Rights legislation and failed to substantiate the airports claims of unauthorised absence, falsification of records and breaches of trust and security made against the two men.
The union has also said that false accounts of established practices and permissions were given in evidence at the men's appeal hearing.
Amicus officer, Peter Coulson, said: "Birmingham International Airport is facing the second strike over Christmas in a row because two of our members with 52 years unblemished service between them have had their careers ended on grounds that are completely without foundation.
"The union totally refutes the allegations made against these men. The workers in question enjoy wide support among their colleagues and we will be looking to conduct an industrial action ballot in the next week. Amicus will also be seeking legal advice on the company's use of covert surveillance tactics."
The appeal panel that heard the dismissed employees case have instructed Birmingham International Airport to conduct an investigation and review of the current working practices at the airport with the objective of their becoming more structured. Amicus has been pressing for such a review to take place for the 18 months and say that failures in established working practices by management are to blame for the two employees being scapegoated.
The men's appeal process is now exhausted. Amicus says it will be pursuing employment tribunal claims for unfair dismissal on their behalves. The union will also be in a position to conduct a ballot for industrial action in the next two months with a view to all out strike before Christmas.
Amicus represents over 200 security, fire and maintenance workers at the airport. Strike action taken by Amicus would close the airport.
