Around 100 drivers working for airline catering firm Do & Co will walk out over 4-5 March in a dispute over pay and employment conditions, according to Unite.
The union said the action would pose a "threat to flights", particularly long-haul services, with Do & Co servicing several major carriers at Heathrow, including BA and Cathay Pacific – food must be available onboard to pilots and cabin crew as a condition of their employment.
Some 94% of Unite members balloted on the action voted in favour of striking; other issues include dissatisfaction with the firm’s 2021 pay increase, and the refusal to recognise Unite for all bargaining on behalf of all employees of Do & Co Event and Airline Catering Ltd.
Unite has also reported the firm to the UK’s pensions regulator to raise concerns around how workers’ pensions are being invested.
Unite regional officer Shereen Higginson said: "Strike action will cause major disruption for BA and other airlines as pilots and cabin crew are required to have food on board as part of their contracts.
"The impact would be most severe on flights of more than six hours in duration – three hours to the destination and three back to the UK. No food on board equals no flights.”
TTG has attempted to approach Do & Co for comment.
The dispute stems from the transfer of some 1,800 Gate Gourmet and DHL Supply Service Chain workers to Do & Co in summer 2020.
