Unions have called on the government to announce a financial package to save the beleaguered aviation industry as Swissport prepares to lay off thousands of workers.

Members of the Unite trade union employed by Swissport at Stansted Airport have started the first of a series of strike actions over changes to scheduling and holiday allocation. The company’s decision to impose roster changes from four days on, two days off to five days on, two days off without agreement will see ramp staff work 14 extra days with no extra pay, argued Unite.

Swissport International, the world’s leading provider of cargo services to the aviation sector, has sealed renewal contracts with TNT and Icelandair covering their ground handling at Liège Airport for the next 3 years.