London Gatwick airport is bracing for significant disruptions over the coming weeks following Unite union’s announcement of a six-day strike involving approximately 300 ground staff.
The industrial action is scheduled for 12-14 July and 19-21 July.
The strikes will involve 100 baggage security screening staff employed by ICTS and 200 Wilson James workers who provide special assistance to vulnerable passengers. The action comes after members of Unite rejected pay offers from both companies.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, stated: “These workers undertake incredibly demanding roles at one of the UK’s busiest airports. They are simply seeking a fair day’s pay. ICTS and Wilson James are wealthy companies and can well afford to put forward acceptable pay offers. Our members at Gatwick have Unite’s total backing in taking strike action for a decent pay rise.”
Unite warned that the strikes would cause “significant disruption to security screening and passenger services” at Gatwick on the planned strike days and hinted at further strikes if the pay disputes remain unresolved.
Adding to the potential turmoil, around 100 HGV and warehouse workers employed by Dnata, who provide easyJet’s onboard catering at Gatwick, are being balloted on a possible strike over pay.
Unite’s regional officer, Dominic Rothwell, commented: “These disputes could be easily resolved if reasonable offers are put forward. There is still time to avoid industrial action, but that will require these companies to table deals that are acceptable to our members.”
In response, a Gatwick spokesperson reassured: “We are working with our suppliers to avoid any impacts and we expect to operate a normal summer holiday flight schedule for our airlines and passengers on these dates. Of course, we hope Wilson James, ICTS and their union can reach a resolution before then.”