Union warning over airport workers

The union representing baggage handlers at Gatwick claims the fast turnaround of aircraft demanded by low-cost airlines is endangering workers.

The T&G has called for aircraft to be held at airport gates for an hour to allow for safe refuelling and handling and has issued a charter of demands, which it says will be extended to other airports.

The 20-25 minute turnaround times of low-cost carriers have already been called into question by analysts following the new airport security regime.

T&G general secretary Tony Woodley said: “A culture of corner-cutting is growing, most obviously in the continuing reductions in turnaround time. This compromises safety and security.”

The union said a one-hour turnaround was necessary “to ensure all safety practices and checks are fully adhered to”.

T&G regional organiser Ian McCoulough added: “It’s like the Keystone Cops around an aircraft, plugging in the power, putting chocks on the wheels, refuelling, loading water, emptying toilets, unloading and loading baggage. People have been injured by vehicles.”

He said an aircraft rolled off its stand at Gatwick recently while staff were at work.

“On smaller aircraft, baggage handlers stack bags by hand but can’t stand up in the hold,” said McCoulough. “Some are handling 20 tonnes of baggage per shift and not getting meal breaks. They are under pressure because ground handlers are fined if there is a delay.”

He said while British Airways employs two crews of six to load and unload a Boeing 737, its low-cost rivals use one crew of four. “People should be able to work without risk of injury,” he said.

However, a spokeswoman for EasyJet said: “Our turnaround times have been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority. The T&G should stick to representing people and leave airlines to run an efficient business.”

A Gatwick airport spokesman said: “This is an airline, not an airport, issue.”