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Ryanair flights from Stansted could be seriously disrupted this summer due to a pay dispute.
Unite the union said workers employed by baggage handler Blue Handling have rejected a 4% pay offer following a 10% pay cut in 2020 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
Blue Handling employs around 750 workers and handles around 200 flights a day during the summer holiday season.
Unite said that Ryanair and Blue Handling’s parent company ABM are both doing well financially, making it “unbelievable and irresponsible” that Blue Handling is “still refusing to pay decent wages”.
A meeting is taking place today between union representatives and management and Unite has said it will prepare for an industrial action ballot unless there is progress over the coming days.
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.
“Our members have made it clear to us that they are ready to take part in an industrial action ballot.
“The company needs to get serious otherwise it could face significant disruption this summer.”
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A Blue Handling spokesperson said: “An improved programme of pay was agreed and signed by Unite the Union, the GMB union and ourselves.
“The recommended offer included an immediate 10.9% increase in pay, as well as an additional rise in 2023 of up to 4%.
“We were therefore very disappointed to learn that the offer recommended by the unions was subsequently rejected.
“The industry is still in the early stages of a fragile recovery, and we must be aware of further shocks to our business while…
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Source : skynews
