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Strike threat averted at Gatwick Airport as pay deal reached

By Nithya Bose in UK Business & Employment News, posted August 25, 2023

The looming threat of a strike by ground handlers at Gatwick Airport during the bank holiday weekend has ended, according to the Unite union.

Unite said it had successfully negotiated improved pay deals, which means an end to industrial action.

This agreement means no strikes have happened during the dispute, sparing any disruption for passengers.

Unite said employees at Red Handling, a ground handling firm, have accepted a 14 percent pay raise.

They were also promised improved overtime rates and sick pay.

Airlines like Norse Atlantic, Norwegian, Delta, TAP Air Portugal, and Saudia rely on Red Handling's services.

Wilson James, a company aiding passengers with mobility needs at Gatwick Airport, has reached an agreement.

Wilson James workers have accepted a 16 percent pay hike, with overtime pay adjustments scheduled to commence next month.

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Discussions are underway over sick pay and shift patterns.

Unite's successful negotiations extend to six other third-party aviation companies.

Those are ASC, ICTS, DHL Gatwick Direct, DHL Services Ltd, GGS, and Menzies Aviation.

Sharon Graham, the union's general secretary, said: "The pay campaign at Gatwick Airport this summer is one of the clearest examples yet of how Unite's relentless focus on jobs, pay and conditions is paying direct financial dividends for its members."

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