Press Release

Swissport workers accept improved pay offer

29 August 2008

Following the suspension of strike action at Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted airports, Unite can announce that the workers at Swissport have accepted the company's improved pay offer and strike action has been called off.

The workers have voted to accept an improved offer of 4% for 2008-2009 backdated to 1st April. In year two a nine month deal has been agreed with an increase in line with the RPI with a minimum guarantee of 2.75% and a cap of 5%. Negotiations will be reopened if the RPI is above 5%. Swissport's proposals to change the current sick pay arrangements will no longer take place. Swissport have also agreed to introduce national negotiations with the union going forward.

Unite national secretary, Steve Turner, said: “Swissport workers across the country have voted to accept this improved pay offer and we are pleased that our members did not have to resort to strike action.

“Unite also welcomes the introduction of national negotiations at Swissport going forward. This is a significant step forward for our members. The union has also secured similar national recognition agreements at G4F aviation and Alpha catering. Unite is beginning to reverse the trend of local bargaining in civil aviation. These developments will bring workers closer together and allow the union to negotiate more effectively with employers on behalf of our members.

“There is an air of growing confidence amongst aviation workers and a genuine determination to put an end to the ‘race to the bottom’.”