From Manchester News Online
<a href="http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/news/content.cfm?story=173510" target="_blank">http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/news/content.cfm?story=173510</a>. .
THE threat of strike action loomed closer at Manchester Airport today (Tuesday) after security staff voted in favour of industrial action.. .In the most significant of four ballots covering 1,600 workers, more than 82 per cent said yes to a walk-out. Out of three other smaller ballots, two produced yes votes and one, involving baggage handling, said no to action.
Security staff are furious over airport plans to introduce new shifts, slash wages and cut up to 150 posts. The airport insists security will not be jeopardised.
Within the next 48 hours union bosses will formally inform the airport of its intention to strike which means workers could strike within a further seven days.
Union bosses insist they want only to put pressure on management and cause the least pain possible for passengers.
But workers warn that even an hour-long walk-out could paralyse the airport, causing severe delays.
Meanwhile, the airport has recruited an army of private security companies to take over in the event of strike action to stop the airport from grinding to a halt.
And following the result of the ballot, airport bosses immediately raised the stakes in the dispute by revealing 150 security staff have already signed the new contracts.
A spokesman said: "It would be inappropriate to comment on a ballot result of which we have not yet been officially notified. But we believe the ballot was totally unnecessary and that all the issues can be resolved through the normal procedures."
Transport and General Workers’ Union regional spokesman Dave McCall said: "Obviously this is a demonstration of how angry the members feel. None of us take this matter lightly, least of all the members at the sharp end despite the company claims that there is no real dispute or real depth of feeling amongst the members."
. .And from the same source; <a href="http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/news/content.cfm?story=173237" target="_blank">http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/news/content.cfm?story=173237</a>
Management say they want to slash the wages of 650 security staff by 40 per cent — at present they earn about £22,000 (£28,000 for night shifts).
David Teale, managing director of Manchester Airport Services, which is responsible for security, said the changes were designed to ensure the airport became more competitive so it could attract airlines such as easyJet, which operates out of Liverpool.
"We need to get our charges down. If we are more expensive, why should airlines use us?" he said.
He claimed wages at Manchester were far higher than at other airports.
Today it emerged that the cloud cast by September 11 is lifting at the airport. Axed services to north America and the Far East are being reinstated, while millions will be spent on an airport refurbishment to boost jobs.
And despite the terrorist attacks the number of passengers using the airport last year rose four per cent to a record near-20m.
Airport managing director John Spooner said: "These figures show the demand for air travel is still robust despite the September 11 setbacks. I am very optimistic that many more people will start flying again in the weeks and months ahead."
. .PP