Bristol Handling

[flyingwombats]

Rumours circulating, Menzies taking over Easyjet handling at the end of January 09

[WATABENCH]

I believe the above was confirmed yesterday (apologies if i've had wrong info). Hope that no Servisair staff suffer too much from the change, fingers crossed for you all, I imagine Menzies would take on most excess s-air staff. Will mean Servisair loseing 60% of it's BRS business. This rumour has been floating round for a couple of years and looks like it has come full circle.

[santito]

Menzies were shocking last time I had to deal with them- rude unhelpful staff who wouldn't help me... This was in Madrid with EasyJet.

Do Menzies actually have any presence at Bristol at the moment? I thought not.?

[WATABENCH]

No there are no other handling agents in BRS apart from OCS who just deal with PRM's and were given the contract in June, Servisair have had the monopoly there for years. BA used to have seperate check-in staff but the ramp was still handled by Servisair. This is a BIG change for BRS.

[jetsetwilly]

Actually, it's Swissport-Menzies.

JSW

[rememberbannockburn]

total rubbish, i work for menzies in scotland, we are payed £7.94ph and on top of that we have a £190 performance bonus which we get most months and even if we do take station delays we dont lose all the bonus. brs crews have been desperate for menzies for a long time now, everytime they come up here they were begging us to set up down there, was on a brs turn last night and they were saying they cant wait, take it all u servisair people are scared of a little competition, a lot of our staff used to work for servisair up here and would never go back, so don't knock it till u have tried it. easyjet have never had it so good up here and that is why they have been changing to menzies everywhere over the last few years.

[Goldilocks95]

personally I'm quite looking forward to going across to Menzies. I think it will create new opportunities and be a new way of looking at things. We will be our own team and although slightly concerned about pay i think things will turn out for the best. So I'm just being positive about everything. Servisair has been great for me-I've learnt things which will help me through my working life but im looking forward to learning more with Menzies!

[Bus14]

For clarity;

BRS had 2 handling agents for many years - DanAir and Servisair. The present monopoly only came about when mergers further up the chain resulted in DanAir and Servisair becoming the same company.

Breaking the monopoly is a welcome move in my opinion, and long overdue.

Bus14
(@BRS since 1989)

[tigger2k8]

i also work for menzies... the pay rate was £7.63 or .67 i cant remember, a recent pay rise now has it at £7.93.. the bonus is up to £220 now, with my station gaining £185 and £195 in the last 2 months there will also be a further pay rise of 4% next year... personally i enjoy my job and have no problems with menzies..

got a question for you guys who work for other firms that handle easyjet.. do you have to manually push and pull steps/belts into place? or are you allowed to drive them right in? just curious.. as we have to push and pull :{

[tigger2k8]

ah thanks for the info, was wondering must be an easyjet thing.. makes me jealous seeing servisair and aviance guys drive them in on jet2, thomas cook, bmi baby etc but i heard theres a legislation coming on (hopefully not a rumor) that means they have to be motorised... sadly the only drive in belt we have is for aer lingus (to access hold 5 on the airbus)..

if anyone has any questions about menzies contracts just PM me, im part time though but ill check through my contract to find answers.. look at it this way, if it is menzies and u jump across, u can now watch casino royale and when it gets to the airport scene u can say, look theres a menzies logo i work for them.. :eek:

good luck guys:ok:

[mzgoo]

Just a quick one, i work for Menzies @ LTN why does everyone seem to be so anti-menzies?

They arent bad to work for i've never had any problems.

People should stop moaning and give them a try. If you get TUPE across be grateful you have a job, theres many people around the country who have lost the job recently due the economic state the country is in.

[speedbird_481_papa]

Here Here MZGOO I have been saying that to my fellow colleagues here at BRS since the news was announced. :D

We all were concerned as it is the same old story of we all don't like change. We should all be greatful like you say that we even have a job to go to at all.

I am now warming to the idea of working for Menzies now. From the comments of what other users have said about Menzies I really dont think that they will be bad at all to work for. All our jobs in FOH are certain and menzies are even advertising for more staff in all areas. Perhaps now is a good time to go for that despatch job that I have always wanted...:ok:

[20-17]

Same sh1t different uniform.........

[anotherthing]

... bugger, thought I'd stumbled across a 'gentlemans thread' for a moment... I'll get me mac

[dave23234]

Hi Guys,

I have just applied for the customer service supervisor position that closed on the 5th December and i still haven't heard anything just wondered if anyone knew how long i have to wait for a response or if i get one at all?

Many thanks

[antonovman]

i had an interview on monday for turnaround/dispatcher
they say they dont know how many people will transfer from servisair so dont know how many other they need to employ
pay is very low i thought

[BRS_flyer]

Stand and gate allocation will be taken in house from at the same time as Menzies arrive. Will be handled by my former colegues in the terminal control centre.

[speedbird_481_papa]

Well it seems to be one story against another here at BRS. The impression I have been given is that Servisair has released all the info accross about who is being TUPEd accross to Menzies.

But of course, Menzies says otherwise. :ugh:

So we probably won't know anything for certain untill the 20th January, the day before the transfer.

And Antonovman, I don't know why Menzies are saying that? They already know how many despatchers/turn-around co-ordinators are being TUPEd accross from Servisair, and I have been told to contact Menzies this week as that may be a position i to am interested in.

Overall I get the feeling that Menzies don't really know exactly what is happening. It sounds to me 6 of one and half a dozen of another. So, even though it is not long left, time will tell.

But really as ive been saying, sit tight and wait to see exactly what happens with regards to all companies and parties involved.

So I think personally, to those who have applied to Menzies, sit tight. There is a lot that is having to be done behind the scenes and if anyone hasn't heard anything back, I am sure it is not intentional.

As far as pay is concerned, it is all basic. No shift allowance, no sick pay and no overtime rate. Hours are TBC but it will be a 6 on, 3 off pattern, 3 earlies 3 lates. But their terms of contract are basic. So a flat rate that may be say £8 ph but that would be it. Overtime is at the basic rate and thats it.:{

So not trying to put people off, but this is what Menzies have told us if we were to transfer onto one of their contracts.

BRS Flyer, does that mean the control centre will allocate stands? Or down to Ops aka ASU? Cause how are the airport authority themselves going to know where to place each aircraft? Like the WOWs are a headache and need to be parked next to eachother because of the tansfer and transit pax

[speedbird_481_papa]

FMC are you to being TUPEd accross? I to have heard that to many people were TUPEd accross from servisair. But alas EZY FOH guys were told that unless we accept the TUPE agreement, we wud have to resign from Servisair. :confused:

[123jobsearcher123]

Menzies pay 8.33p/h as a flat rate but if they are tight for staff they generally will pay you extra hours so really overtime generally works out at time and half you just have to barter haha

[BRS_flyer]

It will be the control centre, but they probably will have to communicating with ASU far more than in the past. Even before I left most of the team were pretty familiar with stand planning issues and requirements such as the WOW's as well as walkway and coach utilisation so it will probably be a fairly smooth transition, as long as they are on the ball!

[speedbird_481_papa]

Tis gonna be interesting to see how it is all allocated then. I think it will be manic initially until it all irons out. And also who who would we call to be calling it off blocks and what DLA reason to put in? Its gonna be interesting time.:ugh:

But how much of a leaniency is there for saying about pos what can go on what stand? Or will it be Airport Ops final word? I can see this not going to well initially :ouch:

[airvanman]

I have seen all the equipment arriving. But I have not seen any de-icing lorrys yet! Space will be tight on the apron along with the admin space etc. We all need more room.

Good luck you new 'uns and ex S/air staff.

[stupid stupid boy]

Will servisair be now getting rid of excess kit? Scrap value has fallen a great deal rescently!

[stupid stupid boy]

Look! Just because everything is in chaos and nobody knows what the **** is going on doesnt mean that its me in charge.

HAPPY XMAS TO ALL, MAY THE NEW YEAR BE A GOOD ONE!

[speedbird_481_papa]

Thanks Airnavman I think we will need it!

Ive heard 2 conflicting reports about the de-icing.

1. Its staying with Servisair so they will do it

2. I have heard this from a lot more reliable source that Airline Services from March have been awarded the contract. The same company that changes seat covers, refils the magazines etc


Also, latest rumours flying round now is that OCS have been awarded the coach-driving contract from march as well :mad:

[Goldilocks95]

UP THE RYANAIR!!! Down with the Orange TW*TS nice to see only 18 easyjet movements allday Tuesday just a few canx flights bugger Damm Shame.UP the Ryanair!!!

excuse me? Tuesdays are the off day-normal day is more like 40 outbound flights.....oh and Gareth:oh: sorry Speedbird where did you hear that rumour about coaching? Ive not heard it....pretty sure there will be no problem with Servisair doing the coaching-hope it dosnt go to OCS....the 3 minute wait for coaches would turn into 30 if its anything like the wait for the ambulift!!!:ugh:

[Goldilocks95]

Yeah I know about the car park passes-very annoying! We have another week to go until we start with Menzies and Servisair dont seem to think we work for them any more!

[Goldilocks95]

Im pax- 5 days, its going fast!

[Gee08]

the start-up will go well as menzies draft staff in from other stations to help they always throw money at start up tcx was only start up that went boobs up menzies management is poor and very clickey however the people to work with are always tremendous yeah the conditions are crap but menzies have always said this is it deal with it don't like it dont work for us. i am one who is glad alba ground handling never offerred me a job when i applied as menzies phoned a few weeks later to give me one. ezy crew like menzies as menzies always prioritise ezy 9 times out of 10 menzies have a full team on stand waiting for aircrafts coming on stand between gla edi an bfs. i will not be in brs due to fact i will be covering a dispatcher who is going to brs's shifts.

[speedbird_481_papa]

shouldn't be any different to what it currently is. I to found it strange our car park passes didnt work as technically aren't we all still Circusair until 2359 on Weds?:sad:

[speedbird_481_papa]

well time will tell. It should't really be any different to what it is now.

And about the car park passes, why did Circusair disable them? As arent we technically still Circusair for another week? :ugh:

[Donald-Duck]

BRS Control Center cant allocate arrival belts for flights so how are they gonna allocate stands?

[speedbird_481_papa]

With great difficulty, Donald!

a while back ASU at Bristol was re-named OPS. Coincidental if u ask me :suspect: and they will be responsible for stand allocation, feeding the information back to the control centre so as they can allocate the gates.

I am working early on Thurs morn and it will be honestly bedlam and I really dont know how it will all pan out.

Many a call to the control centre, me thinks :ugh:

[Gee08]

yea they will go back to there own stations but there will be enough staff however if ezy is only contract for menzies life wont be hard so ramp guys enjoy it while you's can if u's aquire more contracts then it resorts to ur circusair days...understaffed and getting pumped so enjoy the easylife of only handling ezy while u can.overall menzies isnt bad to work for. always take a not of ur overtime u do working for menzies but. like any other company they will kp everypenny they can.

[airvanman]

I had a chat with a couple of guys from Airline Services last night. They are saying they have not been told anything but they are geared up for a exrta bigger rig, and storing tanks at short notice if they get the contact. Makes you wonder if Menzies, OCS? or even Servisair will be doing it for the rest of the season?

Anyway the 21st should be intresting for all?

[Donald-Duck]

Anyway i hope all menzies staff are de-iced trained as hardly any of the servisair staff are so they will have their wok cut out.

[9inchjock]

MENZIES - All the gear and no Idea!!!!!!:confused:

[Gee08]

airline services will ave the contract for de-iceing as menzies bought 2 de-iceing rigs in edi few years back to be told airline services already have a contract in-line to do de-icing.

[groundhogbhx]

How did the first day go?? Had the NCL flight drop in to BHX for a splash, offload a few, and dash due to this mornings fog.

[Gee08]

FMCTEMPESTNo easy's out on time, hear a bit of a shamble Oh and a Menzies Tow Bar through their new crew room window Damm Shame.
The old servisair staff are'nt being allowed just to get on with what they were doing just yesterday.'Teaching Grandmother To Suck Egss' comes to mind.
They have to do it the Menzies way.
Great equipment Towable Conveyor belts GERT LUSH!!!
Yea some people will defend Menzies now saying its a new startup some small hickups whilst they find their feet etc etc to those people Bo****ks!!
Let the TUPE guys get on with it menzies and stick to NEWSPAPERS!!!
Airside Ops Busy parking EZY's Keep the speed down on the Ramp Guys 15MPH max apron speed preach what you teach!!!

why don't u give them a chance first. if servisair were so good then y is and has menzies takin easyjet from them in most stations. all the ex ezy servisair up here were the same...well if there that bloody good piss off back to them. fact is think yourselfs lucky you's have a job in the current climate quit the moaning. towable belts are a joke but there cheap the brs stationed flight deck majority hate servisair in brs all we get up here is hurry up take over etc as for not one flight left early...erm sorry the gla left early took off from brs 15 min early and returned back to brs early also did edi that day. do better home work in future before u rant.:D

[tigger2k8]

tow-able belts, dont see any problem with them, sure it means u gotta push n pull for a couple of meters but its really no big deal... considering they are considerably "lighter" than the steps that are pulled in... it doesnt delay flights as other stations still do a flight in 20 or 25mins depending on the aircraft...

FMCTEMPEST, i see were your coming from, but the staff that moved across no longer work for servisair, so they should know themselves that they have to do things the way Menzies states, as thats their new employer... if they want to work for servisair then they should apply to go back once summer kicks in, if not then adapt.. menzies wont have a problem filling empty spaces

if i was working for 1 firm and another took over, id expect for there to be procedure changes, and i wouldnt moan.. as thats the way my new employer works

[rememberbannockburn]

dont know where fmc tempest got his info from, probably another bitter servisair employee but start up went really well, first day went well considering it was not just a new contract but a new operation, second day was very good with the first 16 departures going out early or on-time, easyjet were delighted and crews loving it and all they go on about is how bad it was with servisair, and certainly dont know who started the rumour that a towbar went through our ops window but that is ****e as well, how excactly is that possible considering the windows are about one metre off the ground, and the reason why the tupe staff are not left to do it there way because that would be the circusair way which is shocking, some of the loaders have some really bad habits from servisair that everyone is trying to get out of them but front of house and ops/dispatch were very good. menzies staff have nothing bad to say about servisair staff but they seem to be filled with hatred towards us, the only reason why all the bitter servisair staff are coming on here spreading rumours about this and that is that there bubble has finally burst and they are worried because eventually more contracts will go.

[Capot]

Reading this thread about a subject in which I have an interest, it occurs to me that it would be nice if Menzies - who are in the reading and writing business, in a way - were to send all its staff on an English literacy course.

That's read-ing and writ-ing, by the way.

[Dropline]

Gee08

I believe Menzies have taken over handling Easyjet at so many UK stations because the two companies operate a joint handling venture, and Easyjet hold a 26% stake in Menzies.

This arrangement guarantees Easyjet low cost handling at stations where Menzies already operate, and has enabled Menzies to get a foot in the door at other stations where they previously were not operating. Quality of service does not come into the equation!

At every station where they have set up a new operation, Menzies have come in offering lower wages, inferior T&C's (eg NO SICK PAY!) and flat rate overtime! How can this be a good thing for airport staff at ANY airport?

I have seen first hand the Menzies recruitment process prior to a completely new start up, and while they need, and are happy to take, a certain amount of experienced staff via TUPE, they inevitably have to make up the numbers by taking on new (and often inexperienced) staff. The new staff are given a basic training course then sent out to load and dispatch aircraft! Can you really learn either of these jobs properly in just a few weeks?

Of course some of the ex-Servisair staff are fed up - they have been TUPED across with no choice (other than to resign) and know it is only a matter of time before their T&C's are eroded to the same low level as the new Menzies staff.

[Gee08]

in reply to that last post i have been with menzies since april 07 i am fully ramp trained including fmc trained. and i am also dispatch trained and load control trained. dispatch i learned that in 2 weeks of training and 1 week of shadowing the rest is down to getting the experience. as for ramp it took a bit longer on pushbacks etc but menzies and ezy had a handling company called the orange handling company after 2 years ezy pulled out however menzies were still taking over at most stations menzies have a no drive diamond in place which ezy seem to like. that is prob whats pissing ex servisair staff off and up north its the ex aviance and newer guys that are better at the job and less lazy unlike the servisair guys(not aimed at every servisair worker am sure they kept there good workers) however menzies working conditions are ****e but still walking away monthly with more than what aviance and servisair workers are at our stations and as far as am aware we are making money in edi and gla.

[WATABENCH]

With regards to the 3 main handling companies at BRS, Menzies, Servisair, and OCS, everyone who works on the ramp for all 3 of these companies try their damn hardest, somedays things dont go their way, equipment issues, staffing issues, sickness issues, poor weather and probably the biggest problem of all is the passangers themselves especially those needing the coaches or ambilift, they mysteriously get lost in a terminal with only 8 gates!! Most flight crew are great and understanding and from those of us on the ground thank you, but theres a very miniscule few who should try and remember they're not the only aircraft on the field, the handling companies will get to you as soon as they can, they dont sit about doing nothing whilst your sat on the tarmac waiting.
If you have an issue with any of the service then you should take this up with the base managers of the 3 companies, i'm sure you will find they will be happy to explain your wait for steps/coach/gpu/ambilift/de-icing.
Both OCS and Menzies have and will take time to find their peaks and troughs over the year, so give them a break, work with them, i'm sure the servisair bosses were not very forthcoming with sharing info that they had built up over the years with these 2 new companies.
All the ramp staff from all 3 companies work well around each other on a very small and busy ramp, and the amount of delays caused by ground handling against the amount of movements is very small.
I say good luck to the Menzies, keep plugging away OCS and keep up the good work Servisair, Airline Services and any others that are down there turning these aircraft around. :ok: