Passengers warned of food shortages on UK flights
Strike threat over Christmas may leave flights foodless
In the lead-up to the busy holiday season, passengers flying from UK airports are being warned of possible food shortages on flights due to a looming strike.
Catering staff employed by dnata, a subsidiary of Emirates Group, have announced a ballot for strike action over proposed changes to their employment terms without union consultation.
With the strike ballot due to close on December 5, major airlines such as Emirates, British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair could see their food and beverage services severely disrupted.
Why the strike?
The dispute primarily involves dnata’s workforce, including production line staff, warehouse operatives, and delivery drivers. These workers, who prepare and deliver in-flight meals, service Emirates, British Airways, TUI, and American Airlines, among others.
The Unite union, representing over 700 dnata employees in the UK, claims that dnata has attempted to push through changes to rostering, absence management, and annual leave without consulting staff. Sharon Graham, Unite’s General Secretary, affirmed that the union "will not tolerate" these unilateral adjustments.
According to Unite’s national officer for aviation, Balvinder Bir, “Strikes would have a serious impact on major airlines at eight UK airports and will be entirely the fault of dnata.”
Airlines and airports affected
The airports and airlines potentially facing disruption include:
- Heathrow: Emirates, American Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Air India, Royal Brunei Airlines, and others.
- Gatwick: Emirates, TUI, and easyJet.
- Manchester: Emirates, TUI, Ryanair, and Singapore Airlines.
- Birmingham: Emirates, TUI, easyJet, and Air India.
Other affected airports include Stansted, Bristol, Glasgow, and London City, with major impacts expected over the holiday season.
dnata’s response
dnata expressed surprise at the union’s decision to hold a strike ballot, stating, “Despite our continuous efforts to reach a fair solution, Unite has rejected our reasonable proposals to enhance wages and conditions and initiated a ballot for industrial action.”
The company said it has already implemented salary increases to address cost-of-living pressures and remains committed to open discussions. The dnata spokesperson added, “We are surprised and disappointed by the union’s recent statement claiming we are changing terms and conditions without consultation, which is entirely inaccurate.”
What comes next?
The ballot is set to close on December 5, leaving little time for dnata and the union to reach an agreement. If the vote favours strike action, flights over the Christmas and New Year period could be impacted. Bir noted, “There is still time for industrial action to be avoided, but that will require dnata entering into meaningful negotiations with Unite about the changes it is putting forward.”
Advice for passengers
With uncertainty surrounding in-flight catering services, passengers travelling from affected UK airports should check with their airline for updates and consider preparing for onboard delays or limitations on food services.
Airlines are likely to make adjustments to minimise inconvenience, but passengers are advised to be prepared for the possibility of disrupted food services.