Union leaders claim safety is being compromised at Gatwick because of companies trying to cut the time aircraft spend on the ground.

The Transport and General Workers Union, representing baggage handlers at Gatwick, is warning airlines are making them work so quickly that safety checks are not being carried out properly.

Delegates are calling for an agreement forcing aircraft to stay on the ground for at least an hour after landing to make sure proper checks are carried out.

Ian McCoulough, the union's regional organiser, said: "There could be an impact on passengers if health and safety rules are being broken.

"For example, the headset man conducts final checks before an aircraft is allowed to leave and makes sure the wheel chocks are off. There have been instances of that not being done in recent months at Gatwick.

"There's no risk to passengers as a result but there is risk of damage to the undercarriage of the aircraft and it means passengers getting off and being put on another aircraft."

The union is concerned baggage handlers' safety is being put at risk because they are having to work so quickly to get airliners ready for take off.

Mr McCoulough said: "It's like the Keystone Cops when a budget airliner lands.

"The handlers sometimes have as little as 25 minutes to unload one set of passengers' luggage and load up another."

The union is also calling for a new maximum weight of 23kg for each piece of passenger baggage, containers for stowing all hold baggage in planes and action to reduce carbon dioxide pollution at Gatwick.

General secretary Tony Woodley said: "It is no longer acceptable that intense competition between companies operating at Gatwick can be allowed to drive down health and safety standards.

"A culture of corner-cutting is growing." Sean Cooper, BAA Gatwick's customer services director, said: "We share the union's view that rigorous health, safety and security standards across the airport are a top priority.

"We have a duty of care as a responsible airport operator and would expect all our third party suppliers to act responsibly and in line with safe working practices and industry standards.

"Any company working in an airport must adhere to stringent health and safety regulations as set down by the airport's licensing authority, the CAA, as well as the Health and Safety Executive."

A spokeswoman from budget airline easyJet said: "Safety and security is paramount at easyJet.

"Our procedures are fully approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, one of the strictest airline regulators in the world.

"We suggest the union stick to representing people and let the airlines concentrate on what they do best, running a safe and efficient business."

Wednesday, August 23, 2006