Over 700 employees at dnata, responsible for crucial airport services like food production, warehouse operations, and delivery, are considering industrial action in response to proposed changes in their employment terms and conditions. The workforce, represented by the Unite union, claims these modifications have been introduced without prior consultation, fueling widespread discontent and a call for immediate intervention.
The proposed changes by dnata would see adjustments to rostering, variable working hours, annualized hours, seasonal schedules, absence management, and leave allocations. Unite argues that the lack of consultation has left employees feeling blindsided and underappreciated, leading to a ballot on potential strike action that opened this week and will conclude on December 5.
Should workers vote in favor of the strike, it is likely to affect major airlines, including easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, British Airways, Emirates, American Airlines, and Air India. The timing could have significant repercussions, with possible walkouts poised to hit during the busy Christmas travel period, adding additional stress to an already strained travel infrastructure.
A spokesperson for Unite stated, “The proposed changes risk undermining job stability and working conditions for dnata employees, who play an essential role in airport operations. The failure to consult on these adjustments has left our members with little choice but to consider industrial action.”
As travel hubs brace for the potential impact, travelers are advised to monitor developments closely, with some already preparing for potential disruptions during the holiday season.
Affected airports and airlines:
- Birmingham airport: Emirates, TUI, easyJet, Ryanair, and Air India
- Bristol Airport: easyJet, TUI, and Ryanair
- Gatwick Airport: easyJet, TUI, and Emirates
- Glasgow Airport: easyJet, Emirates, and British Airways
- Heathrow Airport: Emirates, American Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, China Air, Southern China, Air India, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, and Kenya Airways
- London City Airport: British Airways
- Manchester Airport: easyJet, Ryanair, Emirates, TUI, Air Lingus, Singapore Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines
- Stansted: Ryanair, TUI, and Emirates
