Strike Action Planned at NCL

[Charlie32]

Four proposed strike periods have been announced involving, fire, security and ATCOs at NCL, with the first scheduled for 30/06/05

Airport management are currently saying PAX should not adjust their plans, as they are confident services will not be affected, because there will be sufficient non-union staff to maintain services.

Allegedly unions agreed a 3.3% pay rise, but this was rejected by ballot.

Must say I have mixed feelings about this one. The aggressive style of management at NCL has undoubtedly lead to poor morale amongst the remaining work-force. This is sad because in the days of TW NIA was a happy environment.

There seems to be a big dispute about the actual profits of the company, with unions citing £16M and management £200K. Either way senior management (high 6 figure) bonuses seem difficult to justify having been earned by significant redundancies, increased workloads for remaining staff, and worse working conditions overall.

On the other hand 3.3% is the sort of rise one might expect in the public sector. The problem really appears to be the inequity of managers taking massive bonuses when they peg the workers to inflation level rises.

Sadly the timing could not be more cynically targetted to damage family holidays, starting as it does at the beginning of the school holidays. It was somewhat disigenuous of the union rep interviewed on TV to say "they hadn't realised that it was the start of school holidays" Come off it!!

What is really needed here is a change of CEO. JP has become a major liability, he needs to go and allow some of the remaining and reasonable managers to come to a fair deal with their employees. Copenhagen shareholders and councillors I hope you take note.

[TOPPROP]

Very well said. You should send this into The Journal and Evening Chronicle.

[HOODED]

I assume then that the firemen are mainly non union as managers say they will be able to maintain servicies! Without suficient fire cover the airport will have to close. A sad situation but not unexpected if managers are taking huge bonuses whilst the workers get 3.3% at a time where energy bills in particular are rising at closer to 10%. Still I'm sure MME would welcome the extra trafic.
I'll bet this one does not go ahead!:(

[TOPPROP]

Airport security is a concern. How exactly are they going to effectively search the many thousands of passengers and their luggage? How can they rely upon their seasonal staff and what if some of them go sick?

[Speedtape]

Security worries? Yeah you should be worried. Apparently, the admin staff (phone operators, secretaries, office cleaners etc.) are undergoing training to fill in for those on strike. What a perfect time for the terrorists to strike (no pun intended). Perhaps if we ask nicely they'll take out Parkin at the same time and do us all a favour.
Oh, and as a passenger or member of the general public, don't get taken ill or have any kind of accident that may require first aid because that is supplied by trained security personnel as well.
Don't let there me any kind of accident or incident either because security are heavily involved in these sort of things also.

[johnwalton]

Couldn't they bring in trained staff from Copenhagen?

[CentreFix25]

Couldn't they bring in trained staff from Copenhagen?
I heard something along those lines today.

[Speedtape]

Couldn't they bring in trained staff from Copenhagen?
You'd condone that would you? Why do you think that would make any difference. They would have to also import refuelers, caterers, engineers, handlers etc. because if there is any sort of picket line I think you'll find that the aforesaid will not be willing to break it. So really it doesn't matter what measures the idiot management take, the strike will still be effective and disruption will not be avoidable. Remember that Mr Parkin's policies have effected many people who earn their living or pursue their interests at Newcastle not just people who work or have worked for Newcastle (Tinpot) International :rolleyes: Airport Ltd. Those same people will also have the chance now to make sure that despite any half baked measures put in place, the strike WILL be effective.
Lets hope that the management come to their senses and this can all be avoided.

[egnt999]

EGNT Airports profit is very healthy if you take away the huge interest payments made as a result of CPHs takeover, plus the dividends paid to the local authorities (which the management choose to express after these variables).

If people are treat like boxes of photocopier paper for long enough (ie no pay rises for several years, jam tomorrow promises) they will finally say enough is enough. Nobody wants a strike but when the CEO goes from £60K (TW era) to £300k whilst everyone else stands still or goes backwards there comes a point where some form of redress/ balance is required.

Shame for the public, but believe you me the management are worried.

[johnwalton]

You'd condone that would you?

Yes, I would. As you rightly point out, if the strike goes ahead (which hopefully it won't and an agreement will be reached through Acas on Tuesday) there will undoubtedly be disruption. As a passenger who is due to travel on the day of the first strike, I'd like to know that the start to my trip is going to be safe and that it is not going to be ruined by an unwelcome, and completely avoidable, extended-stay in the departure lounge.

I don't mind being delayed to a certain extent and I agree that working conditions for some at the airport are very poor, but I would rather the airport brought in trained staff from CPH to deal with important issues such as security rather than hastily trained "receptionists and phone operators" as you put it.

[Speedtape]

You obviously don't read too well. Security is only going to be part of the problem and I doubt if you would even make it as far as the departure lounge:E

[egnt999]

The sad thing about the situation at EGNT is that - I believe - 99% of the staff would have been happy with a modest reward for their hard work (the companies success, on going change etc.).

However - like most companies run with the CEOs bonus being the single most important factor - an appauling industrial relations situation has developed and it is now very difficult for either side to relent.
If people are treat with utter disresepect, they will utlimately kick off.

We have had to sit and watch Parkin earn more and more money, spout alot of clap trap about market rates and watch our own salaries reduce in value. He'll be gone soon, with a bit of luck, and hopefully will be repalced by someone with blood in their veins and not someone espousing the American dream everytime they open thier gob.

I've been the victim of strikes before and would hope - difficult as it is - that any inconvenienced passengers will take a look at the broader picture.

[johnwalton]

I'm more than willing to look at the broader picture, as I've said i agree with the motives for going on strike, but you are talking about people who will have spent hundreds and probably thousands of pounds to go on holiday, and for many of them it will be the only holiday they have this year. It is perfectly possible for the people on strike to make their point by not turning up for work and perhaps by having a peaceful picket line outside.

The general concensus from people that I talk to is that sometimes strikes are necessary. People who are due to travel (for the most part) are content to be lumbered with a delay, but if the strikers start preventing people from getting into the airport and ultimately away on holidays that they have spent a lot of money on, any support from the public will dry up very quickly.

[GrahamK]

Won't the airlines have to pay out loads of cash to those affected by any delays due to this action?

[johnwalton]

I doubt it, certainly the package holiday companies have it covered, for instance in the Thomson brochure it says

Important note - events beyond our control

Events beyond our control include: war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemics, health risks, technical problems with transport beyond our control or that of our suppliers, closed or congested airports or ports, hurricanes and other actual or potential severe weather conditions, and any other similar events.

and Airtours:

Important note

Compensation arrangements do not apply to circumstances beyond our control. We can cancel your holiday in the following circumstances: war, threat of war, riots, civil strife or terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disasters, fire, airport closures, bad weather conditions and similar events beyond our control.


Though no doubt food vouchers will be circulated. Delayed departure due to strikes is covered in most insurance policies, but only to the tune of about £10-20 per 12 hour delay.

[Maude Charlee]

Strikers on the picket line would be breaking the law if they attempted to prevent anybody, whether passenger or employee, from crossing the picket line. Most of the airport employees are a fairly decent bunch, and I expect the strike (if it goes ahead) will be entirely lawful and peaceful.

[egnt999]

The problem with peaceful and civilised methods of trying to make your point (at Newcastle Airport) is that it will get you precisely nowhere. That's what the last three years has proved.

I'm not militant at all, but I've been pretty shocked at some of things that have gone on in recent times. Individuals who try to 'make a point' are in danger of loosing their jobs. The Unions have advised that the airport are the worst people they've ever dealt with.

The strike - believe me - (if it happens) is an absolute last resort. Moderate, christian people - who wouldn't normally rock the boat - are sick of being put upon.
I'll not bore you with the stories. Whatever spin is put on the story - the case is a simple one. People have been treat with contempt and disresepct. This - probably - is not the best way to achieve redress, as nobody wins (sorry about the cliche) - but it's the only thing Parkin may be forced to listen to. No doubt he'll use it to turn the knife a bit more when it's all over.

[terrywilcox]

I dont really get your point John. Not turning up for work and mounting a peaceful picket IS a strike. A strike cannot work unless it has the potential to hurt the employer. The employer in this case carries passengers,so it is inevitable that they are affected. Picking a busy time for a strike is the most effective way of winning. It is obviously a waste of time striking at a slack time,as this could no doubt be covered by non union workers,who,incidentally would gain from any benefits achieved by the strike. I do not know the circumstances at ncl,and therefore have no opinion on jusification for the strike.

[ash666]

Apparently it's only the ATCOs that are going on strike from what I've heard, everyone else has backed down even though they will benefit if the strike action is successful.

[egnt999]

Don't know where your info comes from,
presumably you're one of Parkins cronies?

[10 DME ARC]

666
Rubbish....................

[egnt999]

Are we talking about rubbish now?

[Charlie32]

It would appear to me, that if any of the groups mentionned, namely: security, fire or ATCOs strike, in sufficient numbers, the airport would be unable to function as a commercial airport. I suppose technically it could operate as a unlicenced airfield for a small amount of GA without fire or ATCO, but security would still be required. Commercial flights coul not operate without ATC, so the fact that it is apparently only they who are holding out, does not mean the airfield will be able to operate.

Egnt999 I don't think you would bore us with your stories, they might help us understand why employees feel as strongly as they do.

[ash666]

I've got nothing to do with Parkin! Only passing on what I've been told from someone close to the action.

[egnt999]

To be serious for a moment;
Should the situation not be resolved tomorrow after the improved offer -reportedly- is unveiled it's anyones guess what will
happen on the 30th.

In my opnion if all union members in some of the departments I'm aware of don't turn in - the airport shuts, simple as that.

I would imagine there may be a spate of sickness too, not unusual in these circumstances. If, for example, an insufficient number of firemen turn in - there's v little the airport can do.

The airport no doubt has a few things up its sleeve - but people have been asked of their intentions and most have declined to offer the management their answer.
The airport can't really gauge exactly what will happen and my hopefully won't have to.

See what Tues brings.

... also to suggest it\'s only ATC that are eager to strike is completely wrong.

Security started this whole ball rolling,
something I\'m sure the airport will not
forget. They are as eager as any department to close the airport.

[CentreFix25]

Industrial Action Called Off

Following a meeting held today at the offices of ACAS, a revised pay offer was tabled.

The Trades Unions will now take a recommendation to the members and all currently planned action is therefore called off pending the result of the ballot.

[egnt999]

A one off lump sum in January 2006 of £275 linked to an incentive/profit related scheme for 2006........

Bit confusing?
How can a one off lump sum then be linked to an incentive scheme for the same year? Bit confusing, is that £275 in January and a bonus of £0 later in the year?
Maybe Parkin could explain to the Look North viewers tomorrow night when he's interviewed on NIAL property, which presumably he'll approve as he's so happy. Maybe he'll treat himself to a
new cravat (or something)?

Let's just hope he has to make alot of claims this coming fianacial year on the
companies

Health Care Scheme (continued in 2005) .... sorry being picky again,.... aren't we now into late June 2005?

Does that mean people haven't been covered to date this year?

At least the punters will be happy.

[Speedtape]

Well, It's not over until the ballot either accepts or declines the revised offer. It seems again as if Parkin is trying to pull one of his smoke and mirrors tricks. He must think he can walk on water :yuk: :yuk: :yuk:
As an aside, but it is related, bumped into D.L at the races the other day. He was pished out of his skull and was boasting to anyone who was daft enough to listen about what a fantastic offer they had tabled and how thick the staff were to turn it down in the first place. My how the worm has turned. D.L, one time Airport Fireman and Shop Steward and biggest activist (read troublemaker) at Newcastle Aiport. Just makes me want to heave:yuk: :yuk: :yuk:
Hah and he also took great delight in pre announcing the big announcement due to be made on 27th July. Something that most people knew anyway, A US carrier to begin flights to New York from Newcastle.:rolleyes:
I wouldn't bet my house on it Davey lad:E Not unless things improve dramatically soon.;)

[egnt999]

Whoever we're talking about - quite frankly - from the management team the simple fact of the matter is that these people are devoid of any morality whatsoever. They may drive executive cars, think executive thoughts, do executive things, have barbecues with their executive 'colleagues', have executive parking spaces, use their executive (after the course, of coarse) personnel tecniques, read - Amercian- executive books (God, I could go on all day) - but it counts for nothing where I'm from.

Does anybody have any respect for them?
Do they know the value of anything (other than money) - I think not.

Maybe natural justice exists, maybe not - keep your fingers crossed.

[ecj]

The strike called for tomorrow has been called off [for the time being].

Revised pay offer out to ballot.

[Mark Lewis]

However a colleague of mine has just recieved a call from Easyjet saying all Belfast-Newcastle flights are cancelled for "operational reasons" and that he will recieve a full refund. :confused:

[egnt999]

.... and there he was on Look North (looking bloated, eyes popping out) as predicted.

What a difference a day makes.