RMT accuses government of torpedoing rail negotiations STRIKE TALKS The union RMT has accused the UK Government of torpedoing negotiations, pushing a resolution of the rail dispute “further away.” Union bosses claimed today the Rail Delivery Group – which is negotiating on behalf of train operators – was instructed by the government to take on the strikes. “It is now absolutely clear that the [...]
Airlines call on EU to include polluting flights in CO2 pricing scheme AVIATION CO2 EMISSIONS Airlines have called on the EU Commission to include long-haul and more polluting flights into its environmental regulation. The comments come on the heels of the Commission announcing that EU airlines will pay more for their CO2 emissions. “Yet again the Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen has abandoned the environment and Europe’s ordinary [...]
Christmas strikes: Border Force to walk out for eight days ANOTHER STRIKE Border Force staff working at several UK airports will strike over the Christmas period in a long-standing dispute over jobs and pay. Members of the union PCS will walk out between 23 and 26 as well as 28 and 31 December at several UK airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, [...]
Green aviation fuel production to increase 200 per cent by year-end December 7, 2022 The production of sustainable aviation fuels is set to increase 200 per cent by the end of the year. Estimates from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecast that green aviation fuel production could reach between 300 and 450 million litres. This is up from the 100 million litres produced last year. A byproduct of [...]
Transport secretary: Minimum service level laws not happening anytime soon December 7, 2022 The government’s legislation on guaranteeing minimum service levels during strike days will not be debated anytime soon, according to transport secretary Mark Harper. Introduced in Parliament following this summer’s rail strikes, the bill’s second reading hasn’t happened yet and can’t be expedited due to a perceived lack of cross-party consensus. The secretary also said the [...]
easyJet avoids French Christmas strike with eleventh-hour pay increase December 7, 2022 easyJet has prevented a strike in France over Christmas after offering a pay increase to cabin crew staff at the eleventh hour. The low-cost carrier has put on the table a 7.5 per cent salary increase in addition to a €3,000 bonus (£2,600), which was accepted by the French union SNPNC. “easyJet is pleased to [...]
Tube trips in shopping hotspots hit one million as people fall for Christmas frenzy December 7, 2022 Trips on the tube to key shopping centres have reached pre-pandemic levels, as the Elizabeth Line and Christmas rush boosts retail. More than one million entries and exits were recorded on 3 December at stations such as Oxford Circus, Knightsbridge and High Street Kensington, figures published today by Transport for London (TfL) showed. Tottenham Court [...]
CMA provisionally clears Mitie and PAE over Heathrow and detention centre contracts December 7, 2022 The markets regulator has closed an investigation into alleged anti-competitive behaviour over procurement contracts for Heathrow and an immigration centre. In an update published on Wednesday, the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) said it would close the probe into the conduct of Mitie and PAE launched in March. The two firms were responsible for on-going [...]
Stagecoach revenue grows by £100m in 12 months but fuel costs eat into profits December 7, 2022 Stagecoach’s revenue has jumped by nearly £100m in the past 12-months, but profits have taken a hit as fuel costs spike. The bus operator pocketed nearly £670m in the six months to the end of October, up from around £580m in the same period a year ago. However, operating and pre-tax profits have taken a [...]
Sunak convinces US to double its gas exports to UK to slow sky-high energy bills December 7, 2022 Under fresh plans to clamp down on the rising cost of living across the UK, the government has convinced the Biden administration to double US gas exports to Britain. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged that the new partnership to boost energy security, efficiency and affordability will cut prices for Britons and ensure the UK’s national [...]