Stockholm airport workers protest
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BY LARS ERLANDSSON
STOCKHOLM, Sweden--Baggage handlers at the domestic terminal number four at Arlanda Airport here struck for two and a half hours October 10. The workers, members of the Swedish Transport Union, went on a strike to protest new work schedules put into effect at the airport. They are employed by Scandinavian Airlines.
Because the national contract is in effect, the strike was "illegal," according to Swedish labor law. As a result of the walkout the airline was forced to send its first flights south without luggage, which alerted baggage handlers there to find out about the strike. Foremen and check-in personnel began loading the flights, which were delayed by up to two hours. The workers also blocked express parcels from being sent.
Workers interviewed at the airport explained their dissatisfaction with the new work schedules because they have less free time on weekends.
The new hours mean more overtime work as well. Over the last year and a half 200 luggage workers have quit their jobs, according to union representative and baggage handler Torbjörn Persson. Scandinavian Airlines is pushing for shorter shifts during peak hours, such as between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. In order to get their full hours workers would have to come to work extra shifts during the week.
Lars Erlandsson is a member of the food workers union.
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