GMB union rejects call for binding arbitration in airport staff dispute

The
GMB union has refused to accept binding arbitration to stop a strike vote by
British Airways (BA) baggage handlers and check-in staff, which threatens
massive disruption at the UK’s airports this summer.

More
than 8,000 staff at UK airports are due to vote on strike action over pay in
the next two weeks.

Following
talks at the arbitration service Acas, BA suggested the two sides should seek
binding arbitration. But Allan Black, GMB national official and the union’s
chief negotiator with BA, said the conciliation process with Acas had failed
and the GMB would not accept binding arbitration.

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“However,
we will continue to seek a resolution,” Black said. “The GMB is willing to meet
British Airways, with the other unions involved, for face-to-face talks at any
time.”

By Michael Millar