Gate Gourmet investigates improper corporate conduct claims

In-flight caterer Gate Gourmet has begun an investigation into claims of improper corporate conduct following allegations by the Transport and General Workers union (T&G).

The T&G, which wants the airline caterer to reinstate 670 sacked workers, asked both Gate Gourmet and British Airways to investigate specific concerns, which came to light on Tuesday (16 August).

A T&G spokesman could not release details for legal reasons, but said: "The union's attention was drawn to allegations of improper corporate activity and a major health and safety concern at Gate Gourmet.

"These allegations have no bearing on either the origins or the resolution of the present industrial dispute."

Gate Gourmet chairman David Siegel said: "We are in the process of hiring a team of forensic accountants to investigate their allegations. We don't believe there has been any wrongdoing but we intend to make certain that this is the case."

It is the latest twist in an ongoing saga that was sparked when the British Airways in-flight caterer sacked 670 workers for an unofficial strike. The action sparked sympathetic industrial action by BA workers, causing travel chaos for thousands of travellers.

Formal talks at arbitration service ACAS broke down on Tuesday after Gate Gourmet refused to reinstate all workers. But both sides are continuing informal discussions. "It looks likely that it will be the only way to resolve the current dispute," said a T&G spokeswoman.

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