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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sophie Buchan

Ryanair passengers warned of potential summer delays amid dispute

Many people are facing delays at airports across the UK with lines being captured on video going as far back as car parks.

Edinburgh is one of the affected airports who have seen long queues forming as early as 4am with Ryanair passengers waiting to get check their luggage in before heading to their gate.

However now Ryanair passengers are being warned of yet more delays which could affect them

READ MORE - Edinburgh Airport urges passengers not to arrive before check in time

According to The Sun, the disruption is set to happen over the summer period which could affect as many as 200 flights a day - though it is unclear how Scottish airport could be impacted.

It comes as baggage handlers at Blue Handling are threatening strike action due to pay cuts impacting hundreds of flights if it goes ahead.

The company employs more than 750 staff who deal with 200 flights per day during the busy season.

Union Unite has warned that unless they get a substantial pay rise then they will walk out over the summer.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Given the chaos in the airline sector, it is unbelievable and irresponsible that Blue Handling is still refusing to pay decent wages.

"Unite’s members are ready for strike action. We now expect Blue Handling to step up and pay these workers fairly.”

Ryanair passengers could see more delays this summer. (PA Media.)

A meeting is due to take place today (June 1) to discuss the current pay rise.

Unite regional officer, Burcin Bayazit added: "Blue Handling’s client Ryanair has recovered well from the pandemic.

"Blue Handling must ensure that our members are repaid the money the workers lost during Covid.

"Our members have made it clear to us that they are ready to take part in an industrial action ballot. The company needs to get serious otherwise it could face significant disruption this summer.”

A Blue Handling spokesperson commented: “An improved programme of pay was agreed and signed by Unite the Union, the GMB union and ourselves.

"The recommended offer included an immediate 10.9% increase in pay, as well as an additional rise in 2023 of up to 4%. We were therefore very disappointed to learn that the offer recommended by the unions was subsequently rejected.

“The industry is still in the early stages of a fragile recovery, and we must be aware of further shocks to our business while recovering COVID-19 losses.

"The signed agreement reflected the current climate of recovery to ensure we can continue to provide a competitive service at Stansted, while accelerating pay restoration for our team."

A Ryanair spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: "We are aware of the ongoing negotiations between Unite and ABM who provide third-party handling services to Ryanair at Stansted.

"We understand these negotiations resulted in a signed agreement between ABM and Unite for significant pay rises for all staff which was subsequently rejected at ballot.

"We understand talks are ongoing and hope that they will be resolved with recourse to industrial action."

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