Unions Oppose U.K. Maintenance Sale

Three key trade unions are opposing plans by the United Kingdom to sell its military helicopter maintenance work. The work now is done by the Defense Aviation Repair Agency. U.K. officials in July named Toronto, Ontario-based Vector Aerospace as the preferred bidder to buy the agency's helicopter, rotary-work, and component work lines. The unions--Unite, PCS, and Prospect--argue the sale represents too great a risk at a time of war. They "firmly believe that this vital work should remain within" the defense ministry," said a union official, "especially at a time when helicopters are such an essential part of the efforts being made in the theaters of both Iraq and Afghanistan." For related news