sacktheboard
11th October 2003, 23:41
Ringway’s workers await decision of industrial tribunals
Former Manchester Airport workers are awaiting the decision of an employment tribunal after claiming the were unfairly dismissed following a shake-up of security staff.
The members of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) took airport chiefs to tribunal after they were sacked when they refused to except new terms and conditions.
According to union bosses, the 15 were fired when they refused to accept 40 per cent wage cuts and 12 hour shifts introduced by Manchester Airport.
The union says the airport has already admitted it unfairly dismissed two of the 15 and a decision on how much compensation they will now receive is still to be decided by the tribunal chairman. Another former employee has also accepted an offer by Ringway chiefs. Evidence has been given to the tribunal by the remaining 12, who claim they were dismissed and were victims of sexual discrimination. The TGWU is also pursuing a claim for protective award.
Regional industrial organiser for the TGWU Brian Bowan said ‘these members refused to accept the new conditions, which were put to them back in April 2002. The reduction of pay rates by 40 per cent was unacceptable to them. Some could have lost as much as £14,000. Most of the 15 are women and they found they would have great difficulty in working the proposed new rosters at the airport. The early starts a 12 hour shifts meant they would find it very difficult for them to fulfil their family commitments. We’re also pursuing a claim for protective award, where it’s believed an employer has failed to give adequate consultation on changes to the employment contract.’
The barristers from both the airport and the union will return to the tribunal to make their summaries on November 24.
Mr Bowen said “It’s sad that our members ended up in this situation and that they have waited for so long to get their heard at the tribunal. We accept this is due to the number of members affected. All we can do is wait for the results.”
The airport declined to comment until the tribunal resumes next month.
Manchester Metro News 10 Oct 2003 by Jane Lavender
Former Manchester Airport workers are awaiting the decision of an employment tribunal after claiming the were unfairly dismissed following a shake-up of security staff.
The members of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) took airport chiefs to tribunal after they were sacked when they refused to except new terms and conditions.
According to union bosses, the 15 were fired when they refused to accept 40 per cent wage cuts and 12 hour shifts introduced by Manchester Airport.
The union says the airport has already admitted it unfairly dismissed two of the 15 and a decision on how much compensation they will now receive is still to be decided by the tribunal chairman. Another former employee has also accepted an offer by Ringway chiefs. Evidence has been given to the tribunal by the remaining 12, who claim they were dismissed and were victims of sexual discrimination. The TGWU is also pursuing a claim for protective award.
Regional industrial organiser for the TGWU Brian Bowan said ‘these members refused to accept the new conditions, which were put to them back in April 2002. The reduction of pay rates by 40 per cent was unacceptable to them. Some could have lost as much as £14,000. Most of the 15 are women and they found they would have great difficulty in working the proposed new rosters at the airport. The early starts a 12 hour shifts meant they would find it very difficult for them to fulfil their family commitments. We’re also pursuing a claim for protective award, where it’s believed an employer has failed to give adequate consultation on changes to the employment contract.’
The barristers from both the airport and the union will return to the tribunal to make their summaries on November 24.
Mr Bowen said “It’s sad that our members ended up in this situation and that they have waited for so long to get their heard at the tribunal. We accept this is due to the number of members affected. All we can do is wait for the results.”
The airport declined to comment until the tribunal resumes next month.
Manchester Metro News 10 Oct 2003 by Jane Lavender