Aviation workers cannot simply be thrown on the scrap heap
because the Government refuses to listen to unions and employers,
says GMB Union
GMB Union says the Government must step in to protect the
aviation industry from ‘total collapse’ amid rumours of a full UK
border shutdown.
This morning cabinet minister said the Government has considered the possibility of
closing the borders to travellers to prevent new strains of covid
being spread in the UK. [1]
Aviation workers were among the first to be hit by the Covid
crisis look like being the last out of it.
The aviation minister's announcement of a package of financial
support for airport operators in November has still yet to pay
out. [2]
With the aviation industry already on its knees, GMB says the
time has come for government to set out a sector specific deal
and furlough extension for aviation workers.
Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer, said:
"GMB representatives have worked tirelessly for months to protect
jobs in the industry, our members have made sacrifices to keep
themselves in work.
"They are ready and waiting to get back to work, they are trained
and they are proud to work in the industry. But the industry is
on the brink of total collapse.
“They cannot simply be thrown on the scrap heap because the
Government refuses to listen to unions and employers about what
is needed to get the industry flying again - once the time is
right.
"Ministers’ decisions have led to the industry shut down. GMB
supports moves to slow the spread of the virus but when these
impact on workers the Government must step in."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
[1]
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/coronavirus-close-borders-uk-boris-johnson-b1791085.html
[2]
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2021/01/18/airports-fume-help-simply-not-enough/
