The planned strikes by DHL workers at Gatwick Airport have been temporarily suspended following the announcement of a new pay offer. The Unite union confirmed that the 600 DHL workers, who support easyJet’s operations at the airport, will not proceed with their walkout scheduled from July 28 to August 1.
However, strike action by 450 ASC, Menzies Aviation, and GGS workers is still expected to take place during this period. The outcome of a ballot will determine whether the DHL workers will join them in a second wave of strikes scheduled from August 4 to August 8.
Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell stated that the Gatwick DHL members have agreed to suspend their initial strikes as an act of good faith while they await the ballot on the new pay offer. He also urged the remaining employers to return to the negotiating table and present an offer that will be acceptable to the union members.
Last week, Gatwick Airport had activated contingency plans in anticipation of potential disruptions caused by the strike action. These strikes add to the concerns of wider delays across Europe’s skies this summer due to air traffic control strikes on the continent.
EasyJet, which heavily relies on Gatwick Airport for its operations, recently announced the cancellation of 1,700 scheduled services due to the threat of disruption caused by the strikes.
The temporary suspension of the DHL workers’ strikes provides a window for further negotiations and the possibility of resolving the pay dispute, ensuring smoother operations and minimizing travel disruptions for passengers using Gatwick Airport. The outcome of the upcoming ballot will determine the course of action for the workers involved in the second wave of strikes.
