Union, Catering Co. Say Talks Break Down

Aug. 17, 2005
Negotiations between catering firm Gate Gourmet and the Transport and General Workers Union were abandoned Tuesday after the two sides failed to reach agreement, both parties said.

LONDON (AP) -- A transport workers' union and airline catering company said Tuesday talks aimed at resolving an industrial dispute that led to major disruptions of British Airways PLC services last week, had broken down.

Negotiations between catering firm Gate Gourmet and the Transport and General Workers Union were abandoned Tuesday after the two sides failed to reach agreement, both parties said.

About 670 Gate Gourmet workers were fired last week in an ongoing dispute over changes to work practices.

An estimated 100,000 British Airways passengers were stranded at London's Heathrow airport and other international airports when some of the airline's baggage staff went on strike in support of the fired Gate Gourmet workers.

Gate Gourmet said it had offered to reinstate some of the dismissed employees and provide generous severance terms for others, but it said it was not willing to reinstate employees who had instigated an illegal strike.

''Gate Gourmet is deeply disappointed that it was unable to reach an agreement with the union and while formal talks have ceased we continue to remain committed to finding a consensual solution,'' said Eric Born, managing director of Gate Gourmet U.K.

Transport and General Workers Union general secretary Tony Woodley said the talks had broken down ''as a consequence of Gate Gourmet wanting to selectively re-employ those who had been sacked even though there is enough for everyone.''

Copyright 2005 Associated Press