There will no longer be a threat of disruption to inflight meals operating on British Airways CityFlyer routes from London City Airport as Unite members at Gate Gourmet have won significant improvements to conditions.

Earlier this summer the affected workers, who are delivery drivers of inflight meals, were TUPE transferred from Dnata to Gate Gourmet. Staff were based at Barking, however the Civil Aviation Authority closed the site and Gate Gourmet relocated them to Gatwick - a 50-mile trip away.

Unite members at Gate Gourmet were due to walk out later this month after voting for strike action over the situation. However, following negotiations between Unite and Gate Gourmet members are now working directly from City Airport.

Previously, when they were working from Gatwick they would have to drive for up to two hours there, pick up their truck, drive to City to work from there, do a 10-hour shift, then drive the vehicle back to Gatwick before going home. This was causing workers significant fatigue.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Fatigue is a very serious issue for workers it causes severe health problems and can be especially dangerous for those who have to drive heavy vehicles.

"By standing together and threatening a strike, Unite members made their employer see sense and they should be commended for their efforts."

Workers at Gate Gourmet have also won other improvements to conditions including a four-week rota - before, they did not receive this making it hard for them to plan their life outside of work. They will also receive airside toilet facilities and there will be improved guidance on health and safety including clarification that they will not be expected to work in an unsafe manner to complete loading of flights.

Unite regional officer Nick West said: "Unite is very pleased to have resolved this dispute at Gate Gourmet with a clear win for our members. It shows the power of a union and any worker who wants better conditions should join Unite and encourage their colleagues to do the same.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org