Gate Gourmet International -

Gate Gourmet International -: "Gourmet confirms that discussions with the Transport and General Workers Union through the mediation services of ACAS have broken down as a result of preconditions set out by the union.

Whilst agreement was reached on most issues, Gate Gourmet is not willing to reinstate employees that instigated or incited illegal action. The company will not allow itself to be continually put at risk and held to ransom by this type of illegal action.

Gate Gourmet offered to fairly resolve the issue of dismissed employees by offering reinstatement at the company�s option or eligibility for generous severance terms in line with the enhanced redundancy program consulted on since March. The company anticipated that the majority of the dismissed employees would have returned under these arrangements.

Eric Born, Managing Director of Gate Gourmet UK said, 'This is a very sad day for all concerned at Gate Gourmet, I am utterly stunned and disappointed at the attitude of the union and the way it has acted. It is clear that the TGWU does not have the travelling public�s interest at heart. I would just like to thank the staff that did not take illegal action and for the contribution they have made to the service of our customers over the last six days.'

Gate Gourmet is deeply disappointed that it was unable to reach an agreement with the union and while formal talks have ceased we continue to remain committed to finding a consensual solution as we recognise the TGWU as an important business partner for our business operations at Heathrow.

Gate Gourmet will continue to build up its service levels over the forthcoming weeks in order to maintain a chance of survival."