Unions worry about worsening working conditions

Airline staff fear they will be “left on the scrapheap” over job loss plans.
British Airways announced 412 of its staff at Gatwick will join Gatwick Ground Services, a sister company of the airline.

But the firm has said hundreds of jobs will be axed. The GMB Union, which represents staff, said workers have faced sleepless nights worrying about their future. They believe the jobs being switched to a sister company will also lead to worse pay and working conditions for those who remain.

British Airways heading for largest restructuration in their history.

Gatwick GMB branch secretary Nick Hallett said: “My colleagues and I are totally devastated by what they are planning to do to us. “Many of us have given our whole working lives to BA and now it’s like they want to throw us on the scrap heap.”
Mr Hallett said the union wants to work with BA to find solutions, and pointed to moves including previous agreements of staff in 2015 to take unpaid leave and a pay freeze. He added: “I have had countless colleagues contact me who are suffering from serious mental health issues because of what’s happening.

“People are faced with the prospect of losing their homes and many haven’t slept properly for weeks – they deserve better.” BA said it is “acting to protect jobs” as the industry faces “its deepest structural change in its history”.

©TheArgus