Heathrow Airport passengers could be left without FOOD on May Bank Holiday flights due to strike
PASSENGERS travelling from London Heathrow could face a shortage of food on May Bank Holiday flights due to up coming strikes.
Alpha LSG workers, who transport meals and duty free items to a number of airlines at the UK airport, have announced the strike action at the end of May.
The strike will start on May 22 and end on May 26.
Dozens of airlines will be affected by this strike, including American Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, and Qatar Airways.
With the strike taking place ahead of the May bank holiday, it could affect hundreds of thousands of passengers travelling to destinations around the world.
Alpha LSG staff are going on strike amid a disagreement over new work rosters, which union Unite claims results in working an extra 25 days a year.
They also claim that their members are forced to work up to six weeks before being given a weekend off.
Unite regional officer, Jayesh Mistry explained: “Alpha LSG at Heathrow has imposed a punishing new shift pattern on its drivers. The new rosters are taking a heavy toll on the workers’ well-being.
“The company are treating workers with contempt by trying to force them to work an extra 12 weekends a year. It’s an attack on family life and the drivers are fighting back.
“They are getting shorter rest breaks plus increased workloads are piling pressure on the workforce.
“The drivers have raised their serious concerns but so far the company has refused to listen.
“Unite is meeting the Alpha LSG next week and we hope this overwhelming vote for strike action will act as a wake-up call for management.
“A strike will cause major disruption to a number of international airlines at Heathrow.
“Alpha LSG is treating its workforce with contempt but they are also putting the airlines it serves at risk of severe and unnecessary disruption.
“It’s time for Alpha LSG to remember its duty of care and resolve this dispute.”
However, a Heathrow spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “Heathrow has plans in place to provide additional assistance to passengers who may be impacted by this strike between the airlines, their colleagues and contractors.
“We will be working with airlines to ensure adequate contingency plans are in place.”
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Earlier this year, another airline faced a food shortage due to a catering driver strike.
British Airways passengers were threatened with no meals or drinks on their flights at Gatwick after Alpha Flight threatened to strike.
Sun Online Travel has contacted the airlines and Alpha LSG for comment.