The aviation services provider says the union has ignored requests for further talks and is balloting its members for industrial action despite offering pay rises in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
In December 2021, all staff received a 10% increase with HGV drivers receiving 14.7%, but the recent offer of an additional 5.5% has not been accepted by Unite.
Alex Doisneau, Managing Director of dnata UK, said that the increase is in line with inflation and among the best in the industry, calling it extraordinary that Unite is refusing to engage in discussions.
She said, “The Union’s proposition is unrealistic and doesn’t reflect the challenging economic environment we find ourselves in as a business. Despite our sustained commitment to the UK and its communities, the impact of the pandemic, rapid inflation and other local market conditions mean that our UK Airport Operations business is now making a financial loss each month. The increase in salary suggested by Unite is irresponsible and would undoubtedly impact our business’s ability to operate in the best interest of our workforce in the long term.”
Doisneau added that the offer has been overwhelmingly accepted by other staff at the airport and dnata remains committed to reaching a meaningful and mutually acceptable agreement for all parties.
