- Strike Averted: Gatwick Airport Workers Approve Pay Increase
- Cancellation of Planned Strikes at Gatwick Airport
- Potential for Further Disruptions as Some Companies Continue Pay Disputes
About 1,000 employees, including luggage handlers and check-in clerks, had planned summer industrial action.
The final round of threatening strikes at London Gatwick was cancelled this week after workers approved a 10.3% pay hike.
There had been prior warnings of major disruptions at the airport this summer after approximately one thousand employees. Including baggage handlers and check-in personnel, announced eight days of walkouts.
After a bargaining breakthrough, the first round of industrial action from Friday, July 28, to Tuesday, August 1 was cancelled.
Gatwick Ground Services (GGS) employees, who are under contract with British Airways, have agreed to the new pay agreement, which has resulted in the cancellation of the remaining four days of scheduled strikes, from Friday, August 4 through Tuesday, August 8.
The original participants, DHL Ground Handling, ASC, also Menzies, withdrew after getting better offers.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite Union, stated, “This is a significant pay rise for GGS employees.
“From the beginning, our members’ resolve to secure an equitable wage increase has been unwavering, resulting in a fair settlement.
“The pay campaign at Gatwick Airport is a great example of how Unite’s unwavering commitment to jobs, pay, and working conditions for our members is delivering substantial financial benefits to workers.”
However, the union warned that further disruptions at the airport remained a possibility.
Second-group enterprises like Red Handling, Wilson James, and DHL Gatwick Direct have also voted for strike action over pay conflicts.
Dominic Rothwell, the regional officer for Unite, stated, “Further strikes will be called shortly, which will cause substantial disruption across the airport unless the companies concerned make vastly improved offers that meet our members’ expectations.”
The London airport has already been affected by flight cancellations this summer due to the impact of air traffic control protests in Europe and the knock-on effects of the closure of airspace caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
