STANSTED AIRPORT: Union fears sell off will mean job losses

10:56am Wednesday 20th August 2008

THE possible break-up of BAA airports – and the possible sale of Stansted – could spark job losses, the Unite union fears, Britain's biggest union has raised concerns at the likelihood of BAA being forced to sell three of the UK's seven airports.

The union is warning that the “spectre of job losses and attacks on existing terms and conditions of employment could be the unacceptable reality of any break up”.

Unite national officer Brian Boyd said: “When big business comes out in support of what now looks like the imminent break up of BAA, there seems to be no mention of the very real possibility of job losses, reduced terms and conditions of employment, and the stress that major announcements like this can bring to ordinary workers and their families.

“Unite along with other trade unions represented at BAA, have only just resolved the dispute surrounding the BAA pension scheme. Any further disruption relating to what now looks like a sell off of three airports, would most certainly bring a concerted reaction from those same trade unions.

“Last year industrial action at BAA over pensions was only averted by a commitment to embark on a full and thorough period of consultation with the trade unions.

“This being concluded, Unite was of the opinion that a period of stability for our members employed by BAA would prevail. This no longer seems to be the case.”

Unite national secretary Steve Turner said: “Any attempt to break up BAA will be resisted. This union and our members will not sit back while the market plays games with their jobs and their terms and conditions of employment.

“Airports are an essential part of the UK's transport infrastructure, they are the gateway to our nation and further development and expansion is central to plans for economic growth and success.”

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