Holiday chaos as Stansted Airport baggage handlers to strike over Easter

Getty

Passengers are being warned there could be flight chaos at Stansted over the Easter weekend as baggage handlers are set to strike in a row over pay.

The GMB union has said that 150 of its members employed by Swissport have voted for the action, claiming that shift changes would lead to wage cuts of up to £1,000.

According to the Telegraph, the GMB said the changes would also see baggage handlers travelling into work an extra 13 times a year, incurring additional transport and childcare costs.

Family holidays could be left severely disrupted, with the strikes being carried out on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday.

GMB said they had been trying to come to a compromise since January, but that Swissport "is intent on imposing the charges without agreement".

Gary Pearce, GMB Organiser said they had offered a number of alternative shift patterns, with no joy, adding: "Swissport claim they have lost work on the Ryanair contact at the airport. GMB baggage handlers have seen no evidence of this. Swissport also claim that they are losing money on the contract.

"GMB has asked to see the evidence to confirm this but Swissport have refused to comply leading members to question if what they are being told is true."

Meanwhile, a general strike in Spain on Friday will cause disruption to flights.

The Foreign Office is warning that the strike by Spain's two largest trade unions over austerity cuts and changes to labour laws will bring the country to a "near standstill", according to Travel Mole.

Spain's national carrier Iberia has cancelled more than 200 flights, including some services between London and Madrid, while Easyjet and Ryanair have both cancelled dozens of flights.

Travellers are advised to check with their tour operator or airline for updates.

%VIRTUAL-Gallery-150868%

Sign up to our weekly newsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a fan on Facebook