Baggage handlers reject pay deal

The threat of a strike by baggage handlers and check-in staff at British Airways came a step closer today when workers rejected a three year pay offer.

Members of the GMB turned down the proposed deal by 98% and officials are now seeking authorisation for an industrial action ballot.

BA has offered a deal worth 8.5% over three years or 10.5% if the money did not count towards pensions.

Union officer Ed Blissett said: "Both offers are completely unacceptable to the people who keep BA flying. There is money sloshing around at BA for the board, managers and pilots.

"Some of it must be paid to our members to keep them living above the poverty line."

The largest union among baggage handlers and check-in staff at BA, the Transport and General Workers Union, is completing preparatory work for an industrial action ballot among its members over the same dispute.

The TGWU announced last week that pay talks had broken down and that it was considering its options, including a ballot.

The check-in workers caused chaos at Heathrow airport last summer when they staged an unofficial walkout in a row over working conditions, including the use of swipe cards to clock in and out of work.

BA said it had put a "reasonable" offer to the unions, adding: "We have offered to continue talking, with the help of a third party.

"The aviation industry is facing tough times. We have to lower our costs by £300 million in the next two years.

"Our pensions bill has gone up by £133 million. We hope the unions will reconsider any possible threat of strike action."