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.