Gatwick Grit: 1,000+ Workers Set for 8-Day Strike Over Low Pay
More than a thousand workers at Gatwick Airport are gearing up for an eight-day strike later this summer. The walkout, organised by Unite—the UK’s biggest union—targets rock-bottom wages for critical airport roles like ground handling, baggage, ramp agents, dispatchers, and check-in staff.
Low Wages for High-Stress Jobs
These workers, employed by ASC, Menzies Aviation, GGS, and DHL Services Ltd, all outsourced to some of the biggest airlines, face pay packets under £12 an hour. That’s a shockingly low rate for roles that demand skill, safety, and stamina. The pandemic only made things worse, with mass layoffs and cuts leaving those left behind with worse pay and conditions.
Union Furious as Talks Collapse
Negotiations between Unite and these companies have dragged on since January. But no decent pay offer has come through to satisfy the workers, forcing the union’s hand. Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham slammed the bosses, saying:
“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.”
Strike Dates & Impact: Airport Chaos Incoming
The strike will run in two waves: July 28 to August 1, and August 4 to August 8. Expect chaos, delays, and cancellations to hit Gatwick hard. Big names like British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair, TUI, Westjet, and Wizz will all feel the pinch.
This storm could grow—Unite is balloting members at DHL Gatwick Direct, Red Handling, and Wilson James. If they vote yes, more strikes could kick off by mid-August.
Unite’s Regional Officer Dominic Rothwell hit out at the companies for causing the mess:
“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.”
Gatwick passengers beware—summer travel just got a whole lot more uncertain.
