LONDON, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Talks between British Airways' contract caterer and the union representing its workers at London's Heathrow Airport have stalled over rehiring employees.
A two-day walkout paralyzed the airline and stranded tens of thousands of travelers last week. BA baggage handlers joined the walkout in sympathy with Gate Gourmet employees.
"Talks have, indeed, broken down as a consequence of Gate Gourmet wanting to selectively re-employ those who had been sacked even though there is enough for everyone," Tony Woodley, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, told the Telegraph.
Woodley said that the union is continuing talks with the airline, saying that BA "cannot do a Pontius Pilate on this." BA, in a cost-cutting move, contracted out its catering to the U.S.-based Gate Gourmet.
Gate Gourmet has refused to rehire all of the employees it fired, especially those regarded as leaders of the strike.
