Unite union secures training support
General union Unite has secured a significant victory on behalf of low-paid cleaners who feared dismissal when training and language support was withdrawn by Mitie at Heathrow airport.
Support was being provided to the workers, whose first language is not English, prior to taking the General Safety and Awareness Training (GSAT) test, which is required to access airside and secure areas at the airport. A worker faced suspension if they failed the GSAT test four times.
Following pressure from Unite, the company has agreed a new policy and reinstated the training. And workers will be able to retake the GSAT test.