Gatwick Braced for Chaos as Ground Staff Strike Over Pay
Holidaymakers heading through Gatwick Airport this August face severe travel disruption. More than 230 ground staff from two contracted firms are set to strike over pay disputes, Unite union has revealed.
Massive Flight Delays Loom for Tens of Thousands
The first wave of strikes kicks off on Friday, August 18, with another round starting the following weekend, including the busy bank holiday period. Unite warns around 216 flights could be disrupted, affecting up to 45,000 passengers.
- Baggage handlers and aircraft ground staff from Red Handling, serving airlines like Norwegian, Delta, and TAP Air Portugal, will strike for four days from August 18 and again from August 25.
- Wilson James staff, responsible for passenger assistance across all airlines, will also strike for three days starting August 18 and another three days from August 22.
Wilson James workers reportedly earn just £10.93 an hour.
Union Boss Hits Out at Low Pay
“These workers are not prepared to accept real-terms pay cuts and low wages. It’s clear other employers at Gatwick pay competitive rates, so why can’t Red Handling and Wilson James?” – Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary
She called on employers to meet prevailing industry pay standards and end the bitter dispute.
Airport and Firms Scramble to Minimise Impact
Wilson James expressed disappointment at the strikes but said they are in talks with Unite, aided by ACAS, to try and avoid disruption.
Gatwick Airport confirmed it’s working with the affected firms and airlines, planning contingencies to keep things running as smoothly as possible.
The strike drama comes just days after Heathrow security staff called off their strikes following a pay deal, keeping the spotlight on ongoing pay tensions across UK airports.
