GMB members employed by Stobart Aviation and Stobart Aviation Services at Southend say the airport has failed to adequately acknowledge their concerns over staffing, health and safety and training, among other issues.
The GMB is calling on Southend, which is owned by Stobart Group, to formally recognise the union for the purpose of collective bargaining and related matters.
While no dates have yet been set for any potential walkouts, the GMB has specifically stated the action would take place “over Christmas”.
Following the intervention of government conciliation service Acas, a meeting between GMB and Stobart has been convened next way in an attempt to break the impasse.
The GMB though says it is still awaiting confirmation from Stobart.
Gary Pearce, GMB regional organiser, said: “Our members at Southend airport who work in baggage handling, security, aircraft dispatch and flight operations have been raising their concerns with management in relation to the lack of staff, lack of protective clothing, insufficient training, changes to their contracts, and what they are paid compared to staff in other local airports for months.
“Stobart Aviation and Stobart Aviation Services’ failure to accept GMB members’ request to formally recognise their union for the purpose of collective bargaining and all related matters has left our members with no alternative other than to take strike action over the Christmas holiday.
“Both Stobart Aviation Services and Stobart Aviation can prevent the travel chaos at Southend airport by simply agreeing to provide GMB with a formal agreement.”
A Stobart Aviation and Stobart Aviation Services spokesperson said: “London Southend Airport has a comprehensive action plan in place to ensure that this suggested action from GMB does not impact on our passengers’ well-earned Christmas breaks.”
