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Airline caterer in the UK digs in heels over “militants”
1 September 2005
Management at the UK operations of an inflight caterer has vowed not to reinstate hundreds of “militant” workers, who are among more than 600 employees, dismissed for walking out last month over restructuring plans. The workers, represented by ITF affiliate the Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWU), have been protesting outside London’s Heathrow Airport since 10 August.
Negotiations between US-owned Gate Gourmet and the union, led to an agreement on voluntary redundancies on 25 August. However, subsequent discussions have remained deadlocked.
Meanwhile, Gate Gourmet Chief Executive Dave Siegel was yesterday reported to have insisted that hundreds of sacked workers considered by the company to be “radicals” and “militants” would have no place in the company.
Brendan Gold, TGWU Chief Negotiator, commented: "We are making every effort on behalf of our members to play our part in resolving a tough dispute. We have been overwhelmed with the international response of support for Gate Gourmet workers. We thank all those affiliates that have sent messages of support and provided financial assistance."
Negotiations are set to continue.
For more information on how to support the workers go to www.tgwu.org.uk/gategourmet or www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=56
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