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Baggage handling staff at the Airport are planning a 24-hour strike later this month over pay, but their bosses say it shouldn't affect passengers.
The Swissport employees, whose job it is to get the aircraft in and out safely, and load and unload everyone's baggage, will start industrial action at midnight on Saturday 24 September. The company handles Easyjet, Flybe and Blue Islands flights to destinations such as Gatwick, Liverpool, Southampton, Guernsey and London City.
Ports of Jersey say they've been told 27 Swissport 'ramp staff' are striking at what is still one of their busiest times of the year, with a number of charter flights coming in, in addition to the scheduled services.
Swissport has issued the following statement: "Swissport has been notified by Unite the Union in Jersey that ramp staff will take industrial action for 24 hours on Saturday, 24 September 2016. This does not include any other employees, other than ramp staff. Swissport has already begun implementing contingency plans in order to ensure all operations and passenger services remain unaffected."
Ports of Jersey’s Group Operations Director Stephen Driscoll said: “Ports of Jersey has received notification of proposed industrial action at Jersey Airport by ground handling agents, Swissport.
“We understand there have been ongoing negotiations for some weeks between the handling agent and the Unite Union to resolve the issues surrounding this dispute. As this is a private matter between employer and employees, Ports of Jersey has not been privy to these discussions and are not aware of the specific details. Therefore it is not appropriate for Ports of Jersey to comment further at this stage.
“Ports of Jersey has the situation under review and is in close contact with Swissport. Our priority remains with the needs of our passengers and we will endeavour to do everything we can to ensure there is as little disruption as possible. Like everyone, we hope this dispute will be resolved amicably and encourage both parties to do this as swiftly as possible.“
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