Manchester Airport worker says he's quit his job in 'disgust over way it's being run'
04.04.2022 - 18:13
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A Manchester Airport worker says he's quit his job in disgust over the way it is being run. Ray Ellis, 54, said he has resigned in protest over what he called 'chaotic operations' - and said he fears for the security of passengers.
The Manchester Evening News has repeatedly reported how the airport has been plagued by staff shortages recently, and of long delays for passengers waiting to board flights and on their return to Manchester. Holidaymakers have struggled to make their way through security, with queues snaking as far as a car park on one occasion.
This weekend we revealed images of boxes piled high at security gate checks and reports of holidaymakers jumping over barriers and jostling for space. Baggage handlers, meanwhile, claim they are under more stress, with reports of passengers abandoning luggage to get away after long waits - and EasyJet cancelled dozens of flights due to staff sickness.
And, amid reports of further long queues on Monday morning, a councillor claimed the continuing chaos was down to a 'failure of management', claiming the mayhem could last into the summer.
Bosses have admitted issues with recruitment and warned queues could persist amid the start of busy summer schedules and as international travel slowly begins to return to normal levels following the Covid pandemic. All restrictions, however, have now ended.
Mr Ellis, a father-of-three and grandfather from Wythenshawe, started work airside at the airport in 1994, handling baggage and aircraft. In March, he started work for Manchester Airports Group, landside as a trolley operative. He also runs a commercial clearance company and says he's trained and experienced in health and safety, once working for the Health and Safety