Talks held in attempt to avert Easter airport strikes

Talks will be held today to avert threatened Easter strikes by ground staff at Stansted Airport in a dispute over pay.

The GMB union said it will meet employer Swissport to try to resolve a row which could lead to walkouts on Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Monday.

Union members voted overwhelmingly for strike action after the GMB claimed they were facing cuts of up to £1,000 a year because of shift changes.

GMB official Gary Pearce said: “These talks are an opportunity for Swissport to sort out the shift patterns that are putting an unacceptable burden on GMB members' incomes.”

The workers are threatening to strike between 6am and 8am and 4pm and 6pm on the three days unless the dispute is resolved.

PA