BANGKOK, Sep 1 (TNA) – Baggage handling workers stopped their strike at Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after THAI Airways International (THAI) agree to meet with the Airports of Thailand (AoT) to postpone implementing the measure banning their wearing clothing with pockets to prevent baggage theft.
However, airport director Niran Thiranartsin said he had not yet been contacted by THAI for negotiations.
He said the measure can solve the problem of baggage theft effectively and that many employees are willing to follow the rule.
About 50 outsourced workers of the national flag carrier went out on strike after Airports of Thailand (AoT) implemented the measure on September 1.
Meanwhile, acting THAI President ACM Narongsak Sangapong said the strike of baggage handlers has not caused a service disruption at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
He said that THAI has workers from another private company and Thai air force personnel filling the places vacated by the striking outsourced employees, so there has been no flight delay.
Discussing a long term solution to the problem, he said THAI had earlier talked to the private outsourcing company to tackle the theft problem. If the company can’t do that, Marshal Narongsak said, the airline must terminate the contract.
The outsource company was also asked to solve the problem of their workers’ strike. If the problem is prolonged, THAI may also have to terminate the contract.
Airports of Thailand chair Piyapan Champasut, said that AoT informed THAI about the strike and told the company to solve the problem as soon as possible, warning that AoT may deprive it of doing the luggage handling business, which is now being run by two firms, THAI and the Bangkok Flight Services Co (BFS).
He said BFS employees have no problem with the new measure as they can keep their belonging at lockers.
AoT won’t adjust its new measures despite the strike as it can help solve the problem of baggage theft.
Responding to the other strike of Thai Airports Ground Services (TAGS) employees who provide ramp and bridge services since August 31, Mr Piyapan said AOT ordered 49 staff of Suvarnabhumi Airport to facilitate passengers instead.
He affirmed that the strike would not affect bridge services for passengers and airlines, adding the aviation operation was running smoothly.
Mr Priyapan said that TAGS executives should negotiate with striking employees to ease tension, trying to ensure that their jobs would not be affected after the contract between TAGS and AOT is terminated in mid-September.
However, TAG chief executive officer Anupong Rojanakarin met with Mr Piyapan to report that employees initially stopped working as they know that the contract between the two companies would be terminated on September 15.
In addition, Mr Piyapan explained that the contract – to be terminated in mid-September -- was involved in trolley services, not ramp and ground handling services. (TNA)
General News : Last Update : 14:53:05 1 September 2009 (GMT+7:00)
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