Dnata, a leading air services provider, faces scrutiny over alleged changes to driver contracts without union consultation.
- Unite, the trade union, claims dnata’s actions could lead to strikes, affecting major airlines and airports in the UK.
- Dnata refutes the union’s claims, stating it consistently attempted to engage in constructive negotiations.
- The company maintains it has proposed competitive offers in line with industry standards to improve wages and conditions.
- Unite insists the proposed changes could have serious repercussions for air services across eight UK airports.
Dnata, a prominent provider of air services in the UK, finds itself at the centre of controversy following allegations by the trade union Unite. Unite asserts that dnata is attempting to alter delivery drivers’ terms of employment without adequate consultation. This situation has led the union to consider strike action, which poses the risk of leaving passengers without food or drink services on key airlines such as EasyJet, Ryanair, and Emirates at various UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester.
In response to these allegations, dnata has firmly stated that the claims are unfounded. The company asserts that despite continuous efforts to negotiate, their reasonable proposals aimed at enhancing wages and working conditions have been dismissed by Unite. A spokesperson for dnata highlighted that they have already implemented salary increases to ease cost-of-living pressures and acknowledge employees’ contributions.
Unite, however, continues to challenge dnata’s stance, arguing that the proposed changes could potentially disrupt operations significantly. Balvinder Bir, Unite’s national officer for aviation, emphasised that dnata’s refusal to enter meaningful discussions is the root cause of the potential crisis. The union warns that industrial action could severely impact operations at eight major UK airports.
Dnata, holding significant operator licences particularly in London and the South East, insists they have engaged in constructive discussions throughout the negotiation process. They express surprise and disappointment at Unite’s portrayal of events, reiterating their commitment to finding a mutually beneficial agreement that upholds organisational sustainability.
The ongoing dispute between dnata and Unite highlights the critical need for successful negotiation to prevent disruption in air services.
