TSSA News Release

The call came yesterday from the transport union TSSA after Thomson’s German owners TUI announced a merger with UK travel firm First Choice, creating a firm with 27 million customers.

The new company said the merger will save £100 million a year although it “as yet uncertain how many jobs will be lost as a result of the merger.”

“There is no question that this will mean less choice for travellers and fewer jobs for our members,” warned union general secretary Gerry Doherty.

“This will mean shops closing on the High Street because Thomson and First Choice will not compete in the same towns like they do now.

“It is now time for the Competition Commission to look at the travel industry which is changing fast with the growth of the Internet. After last month’s merger between Thomas Cook and My Travel, we are left with just two giant firms dominating the whole of the British market.

“We need to examine what that will mean for customer choice and prices in the light of less competition in the long term.”