Unite says sale of Gatwick to GIP must bring security to
workforce
3 December 2009
Unite, the biggest union in aviation in the UK, has given a
cautious welcome to the conclusion of the sale today (Thursday) of
Gatwick to the Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). The sale is
completed following clearance on the deal from the UK and European
regulators.
The change of ownership, says the union, while forced upon the
BAA by the UK monopolies authorities in a bid to introduce
"competition" between airports, may finally ends many months of
worry and insecurity for the Gatwick workforce.
The union is looking to GIP to now assure Gatwick's thousands of
employees that their jobs will remain stable and secure under the
new ownership.
Brian Boyd, Unite national officer for aviation, said:
"Arrangements are now in place for early meetings between the union
and the new owners. Top of our agenda is to secure jobs and protect
working conditions.
"The recession and enforced competition in aviation services
have combined to bring deep uncertainty to this industry. What we
will be concentrating on now is to ensure that Gatwick's employees
are protected from further upheaval."
Steve Turner national officer for Unite commented that "the
clearance by UK and European regulators of the sale to GIP ends
months of frustration for our members over the future of Gatwick
operations and their very employment".
"We now look forward to further developing our relationship with
the GIP team, which brings considerable operating experience to the
airport. Reinforcing existing commitments on future stability and
security of employment for our members, alongside a clear long term
investment strategy, are now our core objectives for the coming
weeks."
Unite says that in many months of discussions have already taken
place, with the result that agreements to protect all employees at
the point of sale are in place, including all collective agreements
and the employees’ final salary pension scheme.
The GIP already owns London City airport.
ENDS
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