190809 - Swissport responds to result of strike ballots at Manchester and Gatwick Airports
Swissport is disappointed that the unions at Manchester and Gatwick Airports have voted in favour of strike action and regret the inconvenience and disruption that their action will cause the travelling public at one of the busiest times of the year. It is also regretted that this is the result of only 40 staff (9.7%), out of an overall staffing number of 424 at Manchester Airport and 94 staff (10.1%), out of an overall staffing number of 928 at Gatwick Airport voting in favour of such action.
"During the current difficult economic climate, particularly in the aviation industry, it is a pity that the unions cannot see the damage that their action will do," Mark Faulkner, CEO of Swissport said. "I am sorry that a strike at this time will only inconvenience the travelling public and do nothing to safeguard the jobs of our staff or the prosperity of our business."
This proposed action is in support of their demand for a pay increase to all employees despite the fact that Swissport is incurring heavy losses due to a 19% reduction in flight volumes this year. Swissport has avoided large scale redundancies and site closures to date.
The Company has been committed to improving the conditions and benefits of all employees and recently introduced a monthly bonus scheme to reward staff for incremental revenue generation or cost reduction actions. Improved training, job qualifications and benefits packages have also been launched recently.
As the unions have decided to take industrial action, Swissport will work with its airline customers and the airport operators to try to minimise disruption to the travelling public but this cannot be guaranteed.
Further enquiries to Russell Ison at Batphone PR London on +44 (0)7733 106371
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Swissport International Ltd., which is owned by Ferrovial, a leading global infrastructure and service corporation based in Spain, provides ground services for over 70 million passengers and 3.5 million tonnes of cargo a year on behalf of some 650 client companies. With its workforce of around 32 000 personnel, Swissport is active at 182 airports in 38 countries on five continents, and generated consolidated operating revenue of CHF 1.9 billion (EUR 1.2 billion or USD 1.7 billion) last year. www.swissport.com / www.ferrovial.com
"During the current difficult economic climate, particularly in the aviation industry, it is a pity that the unions cannot see the damage that their action will do," Mark Faulkner, CEO of Swissport said. "I am sorry that a strike at this time will only inconvenience the travelling public and do nothing to safeguard the jobs of our staff or the prosperity of our business."
This proposed action is in support of their demand for a pay increase to all employees despite the fact that Swissport is incurring heavy losses due to a 19% reduction in flight volumes this year. Swissport has avoided large scale redundancies and site closures to date.
The Company has been committed to improving the conditions and benefits of all employees and recently introduced a monthly bonus scheme to reward staff for incremental revenue generation or cost reduction actions. Improved training, job qualifications and benefits packages have also been launched recently.
As the unions have decided to take industrial action, Swissport will work with its airline customers and the airport operators to try to minimise disruption to the travelling public but this cannot be guaranteed.
Further enquiries to Russell Ison at Batphone PR London on +44 (0)7733 106371
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Swissport International Ltd., which is owned by Ferrovial, a leading global infrastructure and service corporation based in Spain, provides ground services for over 70 million passengers and 3.5 million tonnes of cargo a year on behalf of some 650 client companies. With its workforce of around 32 000 personnel, Swissport is active at 182 airports in 38 countries on five continents, and generated consolidated operating revenue of CHF 1.9 billion (EUR 1.2 billion or USD 1.7 billion) last year. www.swissport.com / www.ferrovial.com
Ground Handling Company of the Year 2010. The world's benchmark in ground handling services.
Quick Links
Special Tools
other Swissport Sites
ITM Award 2010
Swissport was just named once more Global Aviation Ground Services Company 2010 by the Institute of Transport Management.
More