Heathrow freight services could be hit as Vanderlande handler dispute escalates

© Bojan Bokic

IAG may find its air cargo services disrupted following a union’s decision to vote on strike action at a handling company. Vanderlande Industries provides baggage and cargo handling at Heathrow. But Unite, which represents some 80 Vanderlande workers who are responsible for loading freight on and off IAG planes, is balloting for strike action. It said that members rejected a 2.5% pay rise in August. While Vanderlande raised its offer to 3%, it denied that union recognition could be given to new employees. The ballot closes on February 14.