More than a thousand workers at Gatwick Airport are preparing for an eight-day strike later this summer. The industrial action, organised by Unite—the UK’s largest union—targets low wages for essential airport roles including ground handling, baggage, ramp agents, dispatchers, and check-in staff.
These employees, who work for ASC, Menzies Aviation, GGS, and DHL Services Ltd, are all outsourced to some of the biggest airlines operating at Gatwick. They currently earn less than £12 an hour, a rate considered very low given the skill, safety requirements, and physical demands of their jobs.
The situation has been exacerbated by the pandemic, which led to mass layoffs and pay cuts, leaving remaining workers with poorer pay and conditions.
Negotiations between Unite and the companies involved have been ongoing since January but have failed to produce a satisfactory pay offer. As a result, the union has decided to proceed with strike action.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham criticised the employers, stating: “Our members at Gatwick Airport do incredibly demanding jobs essential to keeping the airport and airlines up and running, yet they’re paid a pittance. Unite is drawing a line in the sand—we are determined to wipe out low pay at the airport.”
The strike is scheduled to take place in two phases: from July 28 to August 1, and from August 4 to August 8. This action is expected to cause significant disruption at Gatwick Airport, including delays and cancellations. Major airlines such as British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair, TUI, Westjet, and Wizz Air will be affected.
Unite is also conducting ballots among members at DHL Gatwick Direct, Red Handling, and Wilson James. If these workers vote in favour, further strikes could begin by mid-August.
Unite’s Regional Officer Dominic Rothwell criticised the companies, saying: “Strike action will cause severe disruption across Gatwick, but this crisis is entirely the companies’ own doing. They had every chance to offer fair pay but chose not to.”
Passengers planning to travel through Gatwick this summer should prepare for potential delays and cancellations as the strike approaches.
Originally published by UKNIP.
