Latest news with #Swissport
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Exact date tourists face Majorca chaos as airport comes to 'total standstill'
Striking workers say they will paralyse the airport for at least three hours after accusing bosses of failing to respect their rights and provide adequate equipment Mallorca airport facing "total standstill" as a protest is expected to bring services to a halt on Friday. Furious staff have called for the major protest and intend to paralyse the airport for at least three hours on July 25th. The disruption could lead to cancellations, massive queues and delays on domestic and international flights. The union recommends that passengers go to the airport earlier and check the status of their flights with their respective airlines. The workers are banded together under the UGT trade union, which is demonstrating against "suffocating" working conditions. Among their demands is the creation of a negotiation group including Spain's airport authority, Aena, the government and employee representatives. UGT has called for a rally at Palma airport on July 25 to denounce what it describes as a "situation of unsustainable precariousness" in the Balearic air sector. The protest will last for about three hours and aims to make visible the working conditions which they claim are deplorable. The unions say companies contracted in to carry out various services are "abusing" their rights. They claim staff aren't treated properly, holiday allocations are incorrect and there is no career progression. The unions are also demanding the addition of qualified personnel in supervisory and management roles, as well as the provision of adequate vehicles and work tools, especially in light of the high temperatures. They say staff need uniforms which "respect their dignity", with clothing adapted to adverse weather conditions, such as raincoats for days of heavy rain. UGT has directly accused companies such as Swissport, Groundforce, Menzies, Easyjet, Pasarelas, Eurowings, Jet2, Ryanair and South, among others, of labour practices which it considers "close to exploitation". The improvements being carried out at the airport also come under fire, with the unions saying construction work appears to be endless and is having a negative impact on the health and safety of staff. The union is also demanding free parking for the workers and the opening of a new cafeteria for staff with affordable prices. The UGT says it holds the airport authority AENA responsible for all the shortcomings and warns that unless it steps up talks to resolve the issues, the protests will continue. The union has already found an ally in the Balearic government which last week demanded urgent action over the airport after admitting "the accumulation of incidents" is doing nothing for its tourism reputation. Officials say delays, cancellations and overbooking at Palma airport in Mallorca are causing a growing volume of complaints and "generate widespread discomfort and project a very negative image of the islands." They have also complained about long waits at security controls and the continuing works at the airport, together with the "collapse in accesses and transit areas." The consumer affairs department of the Government of the Balearic Islands has told the Directorate General of Civil Aviation its concern about the situation that Palma airport is going through in the middle of the high season, as well as the accumulation of incidents in air traffic that directly affect residents and tourists. "From Consumer Affairs, it is stressed that air traffic in the Balearic Islands is not only key for tourism but also an essential public service for the connectivity of citizens, especially in an island territory such as the Balearic Islands. However, delays, cancellations and overbooking cause a growing volume of complaints, generate widespread discomfort and project a very negative image of the islands," said a spokesperson for the government. "The Consumer Affairs Department of the Ministry of Health considers it essential that the competent aviation authorities are extremely vigilant and control during the high season and ensure compliance with European Regulation 261/2004, which protects the rights of passengers in the event of service interruptions." "Likewise, the General Directorate denounces that the execution of works at Palma airport in the middle of high season generates a context of general discomfort, collapse in accesses and transit areas, and long waits at security controls, with direct damage to both passengers and staff working in the facilities." "For all these reasons, Consumer Affairs calls on the central government to adopt measures to guarantee the proper functioning of air traffic in the Balearic Islands and protect the rights of passengers and the safety of users."
The Guardian
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Ryanair weighs up increasing bonus to staff for intercepting oversized luggage
Ryanair is considering increasing a bonus paid to staff for identifying passengers' oversized luggage, its chief executive has said. The Irish budget airline pays staff about €1.50 (£1.30) for intercepting customers who are bringing bags on to an aircraft. The bonus is capped at about €80 for each staff member a month, the Sunday Times reported at the weekend, citing a payslip from a former employee which listed a 'gate bag bonus'. Passengers are charged a fee of up to €75 for bringing luggage that is larger than they paid for while booking their journey. Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said on Monday that more than 99.9% of passengers comply with baggage rules, with 'sizers' located within the airport. He said: 'We are happy to incentivise our (staff) with a share of those excess baggage fees, which we think will decline over the coming year or two. 'It is about €1.50 per bag – and we're thinking of increasing it, so we eliminate it.' Ryanair includes a small carry-on bag – capped at a size of 40x20x25cm and weight of 10kg – with every ticket. Passengers must pay a fee if they want to bring larger luggage, or if they want to bring multiple bags. Earlier this month, it emerged that airport staff at Swissport, an aviation company that operates passenger gates at airports, could receive £1.20 for 'every gate bag taken' as part of the 'easyJet gate bag revenue incentive' scheme. The European parliament is pushing for airlines to allow passengers to bring on free an onboard personal item and small hand luggage. However, Mr O'Leary predicted the proposal will not come into law due to a lack of space. Speaking to the business news on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said: 'We're flying largely full flights, about half the passengers can bring two bags and the other half can only bring one – because that's all that fits in the plane. 'We're already struggling with that amount of baggage. That's one of the reasons we are so aggressive about eliminating the scourge of passengers with excess baggage.' Separately, the budget airline, which faces potential disruption across the industry unless the EU and the US agree a trade deal before 1 August, said it is hopeful that commercial aircraft will be exempt from US tariffs under a civil aviation agreement from 1979. Its chief financial officer, Neil Sorahan, said there was 'an increase in confidence that the 1979 exemption would remain until the mention of 30% tariffs came up a week or so ago. 'But I think Europe were right in not retaliating immediately,' he said. It comes as the EU and the US enter into another week of talks, with negotiators trying to reach a deal before 1 August, when Trump has threatened to hit most EU exports with 30% tariffs. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion Maroš Šefčovič, the EU trade commissioner, said last week that a tariff of 30% or more would have a huge impact, making it 'almost impossible to continue' current transatlantic trade, which is worth €4.4bn a day. Some airlines have warned they will not be able to absorb the cost of the tariffs. Last month, American carrier Delta Air Lines, which took delivery of 47 Airbus aircraft produced in Canada, Germany and France last year, warned it might have to stop buying foreign-made planes. Ryanair is Boeing's biggest customer in Europe, and therefore could be exposed to levies on commercial aircraft. However, Sorahan added that any tariff costs would be primarily absorbed by Boeing, the American plane manufacturer. 'It is a Boeing issue, not a Ryanair issue,' he said. 'We have a fixed price with Boeing on the aircrafts … we'll absolutely work with Boeing to try to mitigate the costs if it comes to pass. But I hope sense prevails.' Ryanair, which is headquartered in Swords, Dublin, also reported that its post-tax profit more than doubled to €820m (£710m) in the three months ended in June, partly thanks to a strong Easter holiday season. The average fare rose by 21% compared with last year to €51. It follows a 7% drop last year, when cost of living pressures meant that consumers reined in their spending. However, passenger growth is being hampered by delays to new aircraft deliveries, Sorahan said. The company expects a rise of 'just 3%' to 206 million passengers in the full year.
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Holidaymakers face summer travel chaos as Glasgow Airport strikes confirmed this month
Ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers are set to walk out for two days later this month. Holidaymakers in Scotland will face travel chaos this summer as strike action has been confirmed at Glasgow Airport this month. Ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers will down their tools in a two-day walkout in an ongoing dispute over pay. Around 100 workers are expected to take part in the industrial action. Unite the Union, which represents the staff, said that 98.7 per cent of its members at the airport voted in favour of strikes after rejecting a four per cent pay rise. It claims to have made repeated offers to restart negotiations with management, however, it has been told that no new pay offer will be made. Members will walk out for 48 hours from 6am on Thursday, July 24 until 6am on Saturday, July 26. The disruption is expected to affect thousands of holidaymakers setting off on their summer getaways. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Summer strike action is now inevitable unless Glasgow Airport 's new owners come to their senses. "We will support our members every step of the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.' Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said: ' Glasgow Airport Limited is making the lowest pay offer despite it being the most profitable company at the airport. "It is the only company escalating a dispute and they seem to be spoiling for a fight rather than trying to resolve the dispute. 'We have just successfully resolved another pay dispute involving hundreds of ICTS workers at the airport. "The latest deal adds to the growing list of companies at the airport where agreements have been secured through negotiation covering hundreds of workers.' Elsewhere, more than 100 Swissport workers remain in a dispute over working rotas and work-life balance, plus health and safety concerns. Workers provide ground handling services to many major airlines, including ticketing and baggage handling. A consultative ballot on a new offer made by Swissport to address these outstanding issues has been put to the workforce. If this offer is rejected, Unite will move to open a full industrial action ballot. The Record has approached Glasgow Airport for comment. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Thousands of holidaymakers face summer travel chaos & major disruption at Scots airport THIS MONTH
Find out the exact dates below STRIKE OUT Thousands of holidaymakers face summer travel chaos & major disruption at Scots airport THIS MONTH Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THOUSANDS of holidaymakers are facing major disruption at a Scots airport this month. Unite the union confirmed 100 workers are set to walk out in a dispute over pay. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Thousands of holidaymakers are facing major disruption this month Credit: Alamy Last week, 98.7% of Unite members at Glasgow Airport voted in favour of industrial action after rejecting a 4% pay rise. The union said it made repeated offers to restart negotiations with management but has been told that no new pay offer will be made. The workers include airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers. Members will go on strike for 48 hours from 6am on Thursday, July 24, until 6am on Saturday, July 26. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Summer strike action is now inevitable unless Glasgow Airport's new owners come to their senses. "We will support our members every step of the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions." Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, added: 'Glasgow Airport Limited is making the lowest pay offer despite it being the most profitable company at the airport. "It is the only company escalating a dispute and they seem to be spoiling for a fight rather than trying to resolve the dispute.' Meanwhile, more than 100 Swissport workers remain in a dispute over working rotas, work-life balance, and health and safety concerns. Workers provide ground handling services to many major airlines, including ticketing and baggage handling. Incredible 'airport of the future' revealed - with no queues or long waits A consultative ballot on a new offer made by Swissport closes on July 14. If this offer is rejected, Unite said it will launch a full industrial action ballot. AGS Airports, which manages Glasgow Airport, was approached for comment.
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Summer strikes to hit Glasgow Airport as around 100 workers to take industrial action
Workers set to strike include airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers. Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Workers are set to strike at one of Scotland's busiest airports this summer in a decision that threatens to cause major disruption for travellers. About 100 workers at Glasgow Airport will take action as union Unite's pay dispute with the terminal's owners escalates. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The industrial action is set to take place from 6am on Thursday, July 24 to 5.59am on Saturday, July 26. Workers include airport ambassadors, airside support officers, engineers and managers. The trade union revealed that despite repeated offers to restart negotiations in an attempt to resolve the pay dispute, Unite has been informed that no new pay offer will be made to the workers. Unite said it had been left with 'no option' but to announce the strike dates. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Thousands are preparing to fly from the airport this summer. | AFP via Getty Images Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Summer strike action is now inevitable unless Glasgow Airport's new owners come to their senses. We will support our members every step of the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.' Glasgow Airport Limited made £40.65 million in its latest recorded accounts. AviAlliance, a subsidiary of PSP Investments, acquired AGS Airports, which includes Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Southampton airports, in a £1.53 billion deal in January. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Last week, 98.7 per cent of Unite members at Glasgow Airport Limited backed industrial action to secure a better pay offer after rejecting a basic 4 per cent pay rise. Swissport workers remain in dispute More than 100 Swissport workers remain in a dispute over working rotas and work-life balance, plus health and safety concerns. The workers provide ground handling services to many major airlines, including ticketing and baggage handling. A consultative ballot on a new offer made by Swissport to address these outstanding issues has been put to the workforce. The ballot ends on July 14. If this offer is rejected, Unite say they will move to open a full industrial action ballot. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said: 'Glasgow Airport Limited is making the lowest pay offer despite it being the most profitable company at the airport. It is the only company escalating a dispute and they seem to be spoiling for a fight rather than trying to resolve the dispute.' Disputes involving around 740 workers have been successfully resolved through negotiation at Glasgow Airport. | Getty Images Meanwhile, Unite confirmed it has now successfully negotiated a pay deal covering 250 ICTS central search workers at Glasgow Airport. The workers, who deal with passengers directly in the security search area and process them for flights, have secured a basic pay increase of 5 per cent. The ICTS deal means that disputes involving around 740 workers have been successfully resolved through negotiation at Glasgow Airport. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This includes around 300 Menzies Aviation workers securing a pay deal, which includes a 4 per cent minimum increase for new starters and up to 10 per cent for workers, depending on grades. A total of 50 Falck firefighters who perform fire safety functions at the airport also accepted a basic wage increase of 4.5 per cent. There have been wage wins for more than 140 workers based at Glasgow airport employed by ABM and OCS. A spokesperson for AGS Airports, which owns and manages Glasgow Airport, said: 'We are extremely disappointed with Unite's decision to serve notice of industrial action. 'We have been in talks with Unite since March during which time we have made several improved and fair offers against a backdrop of a challenging operating environment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We have tabled an offer of 4%, which represents an above-inflation pay increase. 'Despite reaching agreement with 80% of our staff across AGS Airports over pay, our offer has been rejected by 75 members of staff at Glasgow Airport who, through Unite, have informed us they wish to embark on strike action.
