The Island’s MP Andrew Turner has condemned strikes by the Unite union and the proposed strike by railway workers which will cause chaos to planned family holidays in the run up to, and over the Easter break. Unite has called seven days of strikes to disrupt British Airways flights, the stoppages began this morning after crisis talks with management broke down. Mr Turner called on local Labour parliamentary candidate Mark Chiverton to join him in supporting BA employees who are prepared to cross the picket-line and to clarify whether he has received funding from the Unite union.

Mr Turner said :

“With the very real prospect of national rail strikes and many British Airways planes grounded from today we could face transport chaos over the coming weeks. This will cause misery to families who have saved for months for a much-needed Easter break and cause difficulties and unexpected costs for those who need to travel for business.

“BA employees receive some of the best packages and perks in the Airline industry, yet some of them seem determined to bring British Airways to its knees. It is being reported that Unite are saying they might now reconsider a deal they have previously rejected – if the deal was worth considering why didn’t they put it to their members? This sort of attitude could explain why over 1,000 employees, including ground staff and pilots, are willing to stand in as cabin crew to keep the planes of our national airline flying. I hope Mark Chiverton will join me in offering support to those who are willing to work.

“There has been much coverage nationally about how Unite have funded the Labour Party to the tune of £11million since Gordon Brown became Prime Minister. It is being suggested that such reliance on union barons is having a significant effect on how the Government is responding to strike threats. I hope Mark will welcome the opportunity to clarify whether Unite are funding his campaign for election on the Island.”

END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808