GROUND handler dnata UK has called one of the unions representing its workers at the UK's Heathrow Airport to take part in talks to avoid potential strike action.
dnata said that union Unite has ignored requests for further talks as it ballots members for industrial action at Heathrow, according to London's Air Cargo News.
The handler said that the ballot comes despite offering a 10 per cent increase for all staff (14.7 per cent for HGV Drivers) in December 2021.
The company added: 'dnata has recently offered an additional increase of 5.5 per cent bringing the total increase to 15.5 per cent (20.2 per ent for HGV drivers), however this has not been accepted by Unite.'
Alex Doisneau, managing director, dnata UK, airport operations, ground handling & cargo, said: 'It is extraordinary that Unite has now disengaged from discussions. The Union's proposition is unrealistic and doesn't reflect the challenging economic environment we find ourselves in as a business.
'Despite our sustained commitment to the UK and its communities, the impact of the pandemic, rapid inflation and other local market conditions mean that our UK Airport Operations business is now making a financial loss each month.
'The increase in salary suggested by Unite is irresponsible and would undoubtedly impact our business's ability to operate in the best interest of our workforce in the long term.'
Earlier this month, Unite said that 700 workers at dnata and Menzies would take part in the poll that will run from October 12 to November 3 over potential strike action.
If strike action is approved, they are planned to start in mid-November.
The workers are employed on contracts for the majority of airlines that operate from Heathrow's terminals two, three and four.
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dnata said that union Unite has ignored requests for further talks as it ballots members for industrial action at Heathrow, according to London's Air Cargo News.
The handler said that the ballot comes despite offering a 10 per cent increase for all staff (14.7 per cent for HGV Drivers) in December 2021.
The company added: 'dnata has recently offered an additional increase of 5.5 per cent bringing the total increase to 15.5 per cent (20.2 per ent for HGV drivers), however this has not been accepted by Unite.'
Alex Doisneau, managing director, dnata UK, airport operations, ground handling & cargo, said: 'It is extraordinary that Unite has now disengaged from discussions. The Union's proposition is unrealistic and doesn't reflect the challenging economic environment we find ourselves in as a business.
'Despite our sustained commitment to the UK and its communities, the impact of the pandemic, rapid inflation and other local market conditions mean that our UK Airport Operations business is now making a financial loss each month.
'The increase in salary suggested by Unite is irresponsible and would undoubtedly impact our business's ability to operate in the best interest of our workforce in the long term.'
Earlier this month, Unite said that 700 workers at dnata and Menzies would take part in the poll that will run from October 12 to November 3 over potential strike action.
If strike action is approved, they are planned to start in mid-November.
The workers are employed on contracts for the majority of airlines that operate from Heathrow's terminals two, three and four.
SeaNews Turkey