Unite, the leading union representing workers in civil air transport, is currently taking legal action against catering firm Do & Co over their refusal to honour a TUPE agreement for workers.

The union is in the process of pursuing collective legal proceedings against the firm, with employment tribunal claims currently pending, after it refused to transfer 117 employees, more than 100 of whom were Unite members who subsequently lost their jobs. Dnata had lost its American Airlines contract operating from London Heathrow Airport and it was taken over by Do & Co.

Now, Do & Co is again refusing to honour a TUPE agreement.

In early June, Unite learned that Do & Co had won the catering contract for Air India flights operating out of London Heathrow Airport, taking over from Dnata.

There are 44 employees who should be transferred to Do & Co by 1 September - the majority of whom are Unite members. However, their future employment is now uncertain as Do & Co has refused to engage with Unite regarding the TUPE transfer.

The only correspondence received has been marked 'without prejudice', together with the position that TUPE may not apply because Do & Co considers the services provided under this contract to be different from those previously delivered by Dnata.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The behaviour of Do & Co has been nothing short of disgraceful. While Unite is taking legal action, it has decided to put the jobs of more of our members at risk.

“TUPE agreements must be honoured. The situation is completely unacceptable and Unite will never allow our members to be left high and dry. All workers who have been refused transfers have our full support in their fight to protect their jobs.”

It has been the case for decades that when an airline moves to another caterer firm under 'service provider change' the impacted employees move to the new contract holder.

Unite regional officer Shereen Higginson said: "Time is running out for our members who worked for Dnata on the Air India work who are impacted. Unless consultation begins immediately, there is a high chance they will be left without jobs.

"Do & Co has form for this behaviour, which goes completely against any agreements. It must honour TUPE and Unite will look into all avenues to ensure this is met. It must stop burying its head in the sand and negotiate with Unite."

ENDS

Notes to editors

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Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org