Cash offer set to bring Sky Chefs battle to an end

The 17-month industrial dispute between airline caterer LSG Sky Chefs and 275 sacked workers is close to being resolved.

A cash compensation offer has been accepted by 228 of the former staff. The remaining 47 have until the end of the week to accept.

The Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) has said it would no longer support anyone who refused the deal.

The staff, who worked in the Heathrow kitchens run by LSG Sky Chefs, were sacked after striking in November 1998 in protest at new working conditions.

In September last year the company made what it then termed a final offer, but the TGWU rejected it as "derisory".

In February an industrial tribunal opened, with the staff claiming unfair dismissal.

It was adjourned when the airline caterer presented another offer to the union, proposing financial compensation or anew job.

None of the 228 former staff who have so far accepted the proposal took the option of a new job - they all opted for the money. They will drop their industrial tribunal actions against the company.

Tim Ottridge, general manager of LSG Sky Chefs at Heathrow, said: "We hope the remaining people will sign up to the offer once they have had more time to reflect on the situation."

He added: "LSG Sky Chefs did not want a strike in the first place and did everything in its power to negotiate in a bid to prevent strike action.

"The company needed to restructure in a bid to stay competitive and safeguard all jobs."

by Louise Bozec