Passengers have been warned of ‘chaos’ over the Christmas period at four UK airports after a baggage handling firm prepares to cease operations.
Unite, the country’s largest union, understands that Scandinavian baggage carrier Aviator is closing down its operations at Birmingham, Gatwick, Manchester and Newcastle airports because it is not making enough money.
The union is calling for clarity about what Aviator is planning to do to ensure “smooth continuity” of check-in, refuelling, and baggage handling services, otherwise, the union warned, Christmas travel disruption was possible.
It has called on the airlines and/or airport owners to take on the Aviator workforce as a matter of urgency and to end the current state of limbo.
Unite national officer for civil air transport Oliver Richardson said: “Unite will be seeking assurances from the company, airlines, other handlers and ultimately, the airports that there will be no compulsory redundancies
“It is a matter of serious concern for both our members and the travelling public that so close to Christmas most of the airlines have not announced where their baggage handling and check-in contracts are going.
“The airport owners and the airlines, which require these services for their planes to land and take-off efficiently, need to get their skates on to sort this out, without any detriment to the staff jobs, pay and conditions, otherwise Christmas travel chaos is on the cards.”
A spokesperson for Aviator, said: “We’re in discussions with a large number of stakeholders including airlines to ensure that this process is orderly and well-managed. Our focus is on maximising employment and meeting the needs of our airline customers while minimising disruption.”
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