Liverpool baggage handlers end two-week strike

02/09/2009

Baggage handlers at Liverpool John Lennon Airport have ended a two-week strike, it has been reported.

Some 150 GMB union members have been refusing to work at the travel hub since August 20th following disputes with employer Servisair over redundancies.

Workers returned to the airport at 04:00 GMT yesterday (September 1st) following the withdrawal of 23 compulsory redundancies, negotiated through industrial peacemaking organisation Acas.

GMB union officer Eddie Parker said: "A compromise has been reached between the company and its employees and all parties look forward to our relationship being a positive one in the future.

"Regarding the consultative ballot of Peel Airports staff, the GMB will be seeking approval from our members to suspend that ballot and no action is likely."

Mr Parker added that the deal also involved changes to the contracts of 27 baggage handlers at Liverpool Airport.

It is thought that Servisair will instead offer its workers voluntary redundancy packages.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is among the oldest operational airports in the UK, having opened its doors in 1933.