In-flight caterer Gate Gourmet has signed a new deal with British Airways, ending the long-running saga surrounding its operations at Heathrow airport.
The agreement followed the resolution of a staff dispute at the caterer. No details of the contract have been released.
It is believed Gate Gourmet will re-employ 400 of the 670 staff it dismissed as part of the contract and Gate Gourmet’s contract will be extended until 2010.
The T&G welcomed the deal but said the delay in signing it had led to frustrations among union members.
In August, BA offered to increase the value and length of its contract – but only if Gate Gourmet resolved the row.
“We are very pleased that the deal has been signed,” Gate Gourmet’s UK managing director Eric Born said in a statement.
The dispute broke out on 10 August when Gate Gourmet sacked 670 staff after they illegally walked out in protest at its restructuring plans. A day later BA ground staff at Heathrow walked out in sympathy.
