Gate Gourmet rehires Heathrow staff

Airline caterer Gate Gourmet has started to rehire or pay voluntary compensation to workers who were sacked after wildcat strikes in August.

The agreement with the workforce and the T&G union was reached in September, but the caterer has been accused of dragging its heels over signing new staff contracts by MPs and union officials.

However, Gate Gourmet bosses said the delay had been caused by some of the affected workers refusing to sign up to compromise agreements required to move the process on towards resolution.

So far 19 workers have received compensation payments, and 16 have received offers to return to work.

Gate Gourmet, which sacked 667 strikers in August, is cutting 670 jobs in a bid to return its UK operation to profit.

A spokeswoman for Gate Gourmet said the company would consider re-engaging up to 300 workers.

The T&G union believes about 200 staff have been given the option of returning or taking severance pay.

By Angela Frewin

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