Older_Wiser,
Thanks for your post, keep in mind I worked at Aviance pre 9/11 and when it was British Midland (before selling the Handling Unit off to Aviance (and so experienced the threat of strike by our union)) and stayed there until mid 2002.....
>>>>The majority claim to be p***** off , overworked and underpaid, and that tends to be a general feeling across Lhr .
you're right, underpaid, i did mention that in my post (and that overtime is at a good rate), however, the negativity generally came from a lot of the staff themselves - the effectiveness of the union was undermined by these people, i believe.
>>>>>In fact the majority of ramp staff at the handling agents seem to going to BA who have been recruiting like mad, though the starting rates of pay there are pretty low most feel a stronger sense of security plus the added bonus of flights, pension etc
BA also have the added advantage of a Strong union which is lacking in the handling agents.
we in fact had a lot of ex-ba employees (and equipment!) who were seeking a return to ba! and they had a clocking on system, we didn't. you're right, the unions there are so much more effective and strong. ba are a more recognised and prestigious employer too.
>>>>>>>>Also it's interesting to hear you say you have contact with crews etc.
When i worked on the ramp this was something that was a definate no no, and since i moved to ops / dispatch i have never known or would allow ramp staff onto aircraft whilst the crew are around.
the nature of aviance's contracts means they handle a range of airlines, when i was there it included biman, sia, lufthansa, iberia, bmi, sas, and some others, it was not uncommon to be joined by a dispatcher before take off and have them explain their weight figures / loadsheets etc. sas had a small ops room in t2 or t3 - we'd often go in there for a chat. same with the cargo guys at aviance - i spoke to them about what they did.
flight crew would often get their bags direct from the aircraft hold - sometimes you'd get to see the same old faces, a 3 or 4 minute chat was always the polite thing to do.
maybe this has changed recently? i wouldn't be surprised.
i have spoken to ba aircraft-engineers about their job and sought to learn from them as much as i can.
my point to powdermonkey is to take these opportunities when they come.