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Mark Hunter MP & the Cheadle Liberal Democrats
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BA abandoning regions?
July 18, 2007 10:30 AM
Mark launches attack on BA
Cheadle MP, Mark Hunter has today launched a stinging attack on British Airways for their withdrawal of ground handling staff at Manchester Airport and "lack of commitment to the regions".
The campaigning MP has submitted an Early Day Motion to Parliament, supported by other local MPs expressing "deep disappointment" at the action of British Airways as the UK's national airline. Senior Conservative and Labour parliamentarians have also added their support.
Speaking about the EDM Mr Hunter said: "BA's actions really are quite deplorable and frankly it is scandalous they can get away with it. I said earlier this year when they closed their cabin crew base at Manchester Airport that it was the thin end of the wedge, and now we see a further reduction in their service commitment to the regions. This isn't just Manchester that's affected, the same thing has already happened in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and Scottish MP's have already complained in Parliament as well.
As I understand it, all the staff involved were offered alternative posts - which in many cases didn't suit - or were obliged to take "voluntary" redundancy - hardly a fair reward for many years of service. I know that BA propose to replace the employees concerned with Agency staff, but nonetheless it seems to me to be a negative move"
Mr Hunter was also angered to discover that the BA staff involved have apparently been told not to speak to the media and therefore have been unable to protest themselves.
The text of the EDM is as follows. British Airways ground staff at Manchester Airport: That this House notes with regret and concern the withdrawal of British Airways ground handling staff from Manchester Airport; further notes that this move could lead to a reduction of service to customers; sees the decision as yet another example of British Airways lack of commitment to the regions of the UK and to their own long serving employees; and expresses deep disappointment at the action of the UK's national airline.
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