Gate Gourmet strikers return to work

The first 13 Gate Gourmet workers sacked in the August wildcat strikes have returned to work at the company's Heathrow operations after four months of negotiations with unions.

As part of the compromise deal the workers have had to sign agreements that prevent them taking legal action over their earlier dismissal.

About 144 workers who were made redundant will also have to sign the agreements before receiving any money.

A T&G union spokeswoman said: "We were never going to get exactly what we wanted but this agreement represents our best attempt."

Gate Gourmet, which sacked 667 workers after they went on unofficial strike this summer, said it had so far received compromise agreements from 193 former workers.

Eric Born, managing director of Gate Gourmet, said: "With the offers of re-engagement and compensation payments for many of our staff who have signed compromise agreements now in place, Gate Gourmet has put the unfortunate events of August behind us."

by Amanda Smith

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