Unite has announced that 700 workers employed by Emirates Group’s airport services subsidiaries dnata and Menzies will go on strike for three days beginning November 18. The World Cup in Qatar begins on November 20.
“Strike action will inevitably cause disruption, delays, and cancellations to flights throughout Heathrow, with World Cup passengers especially affected,” Unite regional officer Kevin Hall said in a statement.
According to the union, the strike would cause disruption, cancellations, and delays at Heathrow terminals 2, 3, and 4. It said Qatar Airways, which has added 10 flights per week during the World Cup, would be particularly impacted.
Other airlines affected include Virgin, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates, according to Unite.
Dnata said it was putting contingency plans in place to minimize disruption from the walkouts and was committed to reaching a “mutually acceptable agreement for all parties.”
“The increase in salary suggested by Unite is irresponsible and would undoubtedly impact our business’ ability to operate in the best interest of our workforce in the long term,” dnata said, adding that its UK airport operations business was making a loss each month due to challenging conditions.
Menzies stated that it was willing to continue wage negotiations, but that Unite refused to participate.
Heathrow, the country’s busiest airport, said it was in discussions with its airline partners about what contingency plans they could put in place to support ground handling if the strikes occurred.
“Our priority is to ensure passengers are not disrupted by airline ground handler shortages,” said the airport.
To read our blog on “British Airways Plans to Resume Pakistan Flights,” click here
