New Deal stops Dad getting snookered (From Barry And District News)

New Deal stops Dad getting snookered

SENIOR officials at Cardiff International Airport have played down fears that threatened strike action by baggage handlers will bring serious disruptions to holidaymakers this summer.

Graeme Gamble, Operations Director of Cardiff International Airport, said: "We are confident that the dispute over pay will be resolved by Aviance and union representatives. "We do not anticipate strike action over the coming days and weeks and are confident that holidaymakers flying from Cardiff have little to worry about.

"In a worst case scenario, if strike action were to go ahead we have a contingency plan in place to ensure the provision of a normal service."

Members of the Transport and General Workers Union working for Aviance voted four to one in favour of industrial action earlier this week.

The union is unhappy with Aviance's offer of a 2.5% pay increase.

The T&G has consistently argued for a better deal for its members who provide baggage handling, check-in and ground support services at Cardiff International Airport.

Brendan Gold, T&G national secretary for civil aviation, said: "Everyone is aware that aviation is a tough market and nobody is better placed to know that than the baggage handlers and check-in staff.

"They also know that the volume of their work is increasing as the industry gets busier and passenger numbers break record levels.

"They know a bad deal when they see one, which is why we urge Aviance to listen to their workforce and act to improve the deal on offer and avoid a damaging dispute."

The other two unions who represent Aviance staff, GMB, Britain's General Union, and Amicus, are also expected to back strike action.

A spokesperson for GMB said: "I am astonished and disappointed that our attempt to avoid summer chaos at our main airports has been thrown back in our faces. The parent company of Aviance has a reputation for conducting its industrial relations in a positive and constructive way.

"I have no doubt that the travelling public, if their flights are disrupted, will have some sharp questions for Mr Hunt (chief executive of Aviance) and his colleagues."