New BA deal could bring an end to union bargaining
Heathrow ground staff offered new staffing and working arrangements
12 August 2010
British Airways (BA) has offered a new deal to Heathrow ground staff in a bid to end months of union bargaining.
The airline has secured an agreement in principal with the Unite and GMB unions over staffing and working conditions.
The deal would see 500 employees leave the firm voluntarily, while BA has secured a one-year pay freeze. Around 200 staff have already left.
Mick Rix, GMB's civil aviation national officer, confirmed the union would be recommending members agree to the new offer.
He said: "This new deal, if accepted by our members, will bring to an end a period of uncertainty and speculation regarding the security of employment of members at BA at Heathrow."
BA has been looking to cut staff from its Heathrow operations in a bid to significantly cut costs.
The firm is still yet to reach an agreement over salary and travel incentives with its cabin crew, who have been on strike for 22 days this year.