FUEL STRIKE

Hopes of averting a strike by aircraft fuel workers at Heathrow Airport have receded after union officials rejected an employer’s latest offer.
Union officials had been in talks with refuelling company AFS at the airport.

A 48-hour strike due to begin at 0430 BST on Friday could disrupt flights, the Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWU) claims.

Fresh talks are also due to try to settle a row at Gatwick involving 600 baggage handlers and maintenance staff.

Sticking points

At Heathrow, AFS had offered to raise workers’ pay from just over £22,000 to £25,000 over two years.

But union officials rejected the offer and said other issues on London weighting, sick benefits and pensions had not been addressed.

British Airways said a strike would not have a significant impact on operations.

At Gatwick, staff have threatened to walk out for 24 hours at 0300 BST on Saturday and on 30 September in a dispute over workloads.

New working practices were introduced earlier this year which the union said had health and safety issues for its members.

The row is also said to be over “victimisation” of a union steward.

THIS INFORMATION WAS FOUND AT http://news.bbc.co.uk