A FURIOUS row is brewing between the biggest aircraft maintenance company at Stansted and a union over the potential loss of 345 skilled engineering jobs at the airport. Last month SR Technics, which maintains easyJet aircraft, announced it is moving its

A FURIOUS row is brewing between the biggest aircraft maintenance company at Stansted and a union over the potential loss of 345 skilled engineering jobs at the airport.

Last month SR Technics, which maintains easyJet aircraft, announced it is moving its components services to Zurich in Switzerland in a bid to lower operational costs. That effectively would end its operation at the Essex airport.

However, Unite says the company could do more to avoid massive job cuts.

Regional officer Chris Jones said: "The current economic conditions mean that these skilled workers will find it extremely difficult to find alternative employment.

"They're angry and frustrated that their jobs are being exported abroad by an expanding company which refuses even to consider alternatives to job cuts.

"The workers' patience is running out. They expect the company to work with the union to avoid cuts as much as possible."

He added that SR Technics have refused to look at alternatives to job cuts, such as changing terms and conditions or changing working practices in order to keep the jobs at Stansted.

CEO of SR Technics, Bernd Kessler, insisted that management is working closely with the unions and employee representatives to support all those affected by the plans.

He said: "At the heart of the ongoing reorganisation is our aim to raise our efficiency, lower our group's overall operational costs and to further develop our operational capabilities, service offerings and global footprint.

"By achieving these objectives, we will tangibly improve our competitiveness and the service we provide to our customers.