Airport fuel strike to go ahead

Forty airlines could be affected

Talks aimed at averting a strike by workers who refuel aircraft at Heathrow have broken down without agreement.

A 48-hour strike hitting 40 airlines including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, Qantas and Air Canada will go ahead on Friday.

The Transport and General Workers Union said 40 workers for refuelling company AFS will walk out in a dispute over pay, pensions and sick pay.

The union wants a pay rise for members from just over £22,000 to £25,000.

'No progress'

It said no progress was made at Tuesday's meeting with senior management.

The union's Kevin Hall said: "The company is playing for high stakes and the clock is ticking. We are dealing with a serious situation but the company is treating it with disdain."

Should fuel tanker drivers walk out there could be disruption at Heathrow, as the company refuels about 36% of aircraft.

BAA, which runs the airport, has said there would be a "degree of disruption" but it would not be "widespread or substantial".

Staff shortage

British Airways said the strike would not have a significant impact on operations.

AFS refuels 7% of BA flights. The airline said it would ensure incoming planes were fully fuelled, so short-haul operations could continue without tankers being used.

It said there should not be any cancellations, but the company is already dealing with a staff shortage and cancellations at Heathrow.

Virgin Atlantic said plans were being made to deal with a stoppage.