The GMB union is to be the chief sponsor of Woking football club in a bid to attract more airline staff to join its ranks.
The deal, which sources say amounts to about £20,000, will last until the end of the 2008 season, and means the GMB’s logo will be on the front of all playing kit and replica shirts, signs in the stadium and on all promotional material and stationery.
It is not the first time the GMB has tried to tempt members through football, having sponsored Fulham, Brentford and Luton in the past.
The move could lead to friction between unions as airport staff are traditionally members of the T&G union. Last year, high-profile strike action by T&G members at Gate Gourmet led to walkouts by Heathrow ground staff and travel chaos at the airport.
Mike Pay, Woking FC’s managing director, said the football club considered the sums involved to be very valuable.
“We are delighted with this new partnership. GMB is a very prestigious organisation with lots of experience of sports sponsorship. I have no doubt that this is a partnership with the potential to add value for both parties well beyond the cash sums involved,” he said.
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