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Manston workforce win stay of execution
[ April 10, 2014 // Chris ]The consultation period over the future of Manston Airport and its workforce has been extended until a final decision on its future is made, says the Unite trade union.
A 45 day consultation period was due to end on 11 May, and redundancies could have been announced from that date – but this will not now happen, it says.
Unite regional officer Ian McCoulough said: “We had talks with the management today and it said that the consultation period was now extended until a final decision is made. This is to be welcomed. Unite would like Manston to continue as a viable airport, as we believe it is vital to the local economy in terms of employment and economic growth in Kent. We will do our utmost to achieve that goal.”
Ian McCoulough said that the company was still considering the two business plans drawn up by the union to secure the airport’s future.
Unite is due to meet the management again on 16 April and 24 April.
Manston Airport is said by current owners, the Gloag Foundation, to be losing £10,000 a day. Hopes of increasing cargo and scheduled passengers following its acquisition from New Zealand infrastructure company Infratil for £1 last year have not materialised.