Airport faces baggage handler shortage

Concerns are being raised that there will be a shortage of staff at Ronaldsway Airport over the TT. 

It's after a delay in the baggage handling contract being handed over from the Department of Infrastructure to Menzies. 

The private company was due to take over before the motorcycling fortnight however that has now been delayed - and workers who were made redundant asked to stay on. 

3FM has been shown a letter sent to baggage handlers this week, many of whom are due to take voluntary redundancy on May 31st, written by airport director Ann Reynolds.  

In it they're told that the delays follow an "intense period of negotiations" between Menzies and airline partners and the company now expects to take the reins in the third week of June. 
 
Until then the DOI will continue to operate the service - staff who have already applied for redundancy have been told they may not be able to leave on the date they expected. 

In the letter Mrs Reynolds states "it may not be possible to meet everyone's expectations" adding she knows this will "come as a disappointment" to some. 

Workers have been asked to stay on instead with Mrs Reynolds stating she would "greatly appreciate" their cooperation as the airport comes into such a "busy period".