Manchester airport

BOSSES AT Manchester airport have used threats of sacking to force through new contracts on security workers. Pay cuts of up to 40 percent, job cuts and increased working hours were imposed overnight. Many have left the job rather than accept the new contract.

Around 350 security workers, members of the TGWU union, had fought off the bosses' attacks with a series of solid one-day strikes. But shamefully the TGWU officials called off the action for talks instead of building on the members' determination and calling more action.

Once the union retreated the airport management abandoned the consultation. The security workers feel bitterly let down. One TGWU union representative told Socialist Worker, 'A lot of people have left the job. They couldn't settle for this shabby deal.'

The bosses' attacks may not stop with the security workers. Some workers fear that management will continue their offensive on to the car park workers at the airport. Behind the bosses are the ten local councils who own and control Manchester airport.

These New Labour controlled councils were desperate to claw back the millions they have invested in the Commonwealth Games by imposing the savage cuts.