United Kingdom
By Larry Habegger | Permalink |
No Comments | November 25th, 2002 | Trackback
The threat of strikes that would close seven major airports in the U.K., including London’s Heathrow, have been temporarily averted as the principal union threatening to walk out agreed to put the British Airports Authority’s improved offer to its members for a vote. If members approve the new offer the strikes will be canceled.
Firefighters, on the other hand, struck as planned Nov. 22 when talks broke down. The duration of the strike was planned to be eight days with other eight-day strikes looming Dec. 4 and 16.
Travelers to England and Wales next summer will be able to get a drink in a pub after 11 p.m. when a reform of pub licensing laws will go into effect. Currently all pubs must stop serving alcohol at 11, which creates a binge-drinking culture as the hour approaches and sends everyone out into the streets at the same time. Next summer pubs will be able to choose when they open and close, and will be able to serve alcohol at any time of day or night.
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United Kingdom
By Larry Habegger | Permalink |
No Comments | November 20th, 2002 | Trackback
After a 48-hour strike that saw the army manning antiquated fire trucks pulled out of mothballs, the Fire Brigades Union and the government sat down to try to reach a settlement before the beginning of a threatened eight-day strike on Nov. 22. If they succeed, this and two other strikes planned in December will be canceled. The British Airports Authority (BAA) and the airport workers union agreed to talks to begin Nov. 20 in an effort to avert a series of 24-hour strikes that could close seven airports in Britain, including Heathrow. These strikes are set to begin at 6 a.m. on Nov. 28, Dec. 2, 10, 15, 23 and Jan. 2. The BAA has stated that if strikes go ahead, it “cannot guarantee there will be no disruption on the dates selected by unions. However, we are developing specific arrangements aimed at operating services to our customers on strike days.” If no settlement is reached, monitor the situation through your airline, news reports or the BAA Web site at www.baa.co.uk.
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United Kingdom
By Larry Habegger | Permalink |
No Comments | November 12th, 2002 | Trackback
Strikes by the firefighters’ and locomotive engineers’ unions, and airport firefighters and security guards, could disrupt transportation throughout the UK through much of November and December and into January. The train drivers will vote Nov. 19 to decide whether to accept a pay offer or strike as planned. The firefighters’ union has scheduled a series of eight-day strikes from 9 a.m. beginning Nov. 22, Dec. 4 and 16. The strikes could close the London Underground entirely, but at a minimum the lowest 19 stations would close. The Channel Tunnel could close or operate a severely reduced schedule. Theaters, sports stadiums and other businesses could close because of reduced emergency services. The airport workers have announced a series of 24-hour strikes that will essentially shut down all airports operated by the British Airports Authority, including London’s Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, and Southampton, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The strike dates are Nov. 28, Dec. 2, 10, 15, 23 and Jan. 2. Follow news developments if your travels take you to or through the UK in the coming weeks.
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