In what seems like a major relief for tourists planning their holidays over the weekend, strike action by ground support workers at London Gatwick Airport has been called off after workers voted to accept a new pay deal.
About 450 ground staff working at London Gatwick for airlines like Wizz Air, British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Tui, and WestJet have called off the strike.
As per the statement by Unite: “Strikes scheduled for this weekend at Gatwick Airport by ASC Cargo Handling and Menzies Aviation employees have officially been called off. Unite's members voted in favor of ASC's latest pay offer, which included a double-digit pay raise.”
Besides, members also voted in favor of Menzies's latest pay offer, which includes a 13% pay increase for ground handling staff, a 17% pay increase for the lowest-paid staff, and enhancements to annual leave and sick pay
This comes after Gatwick DHL workers called off their planned strike after they voted to accept a 15% pay increase day earlier this week.
Commenting on the latest development, Sharon Graham, General Secretary, Unite said: “"These excellent results were achieved because Menzies and ASC workers at Gatwick are unionized and stood strong. Unite does what it says on the trade union in: Defend and improve jobs, pay, and conditions for our members."
As of now workers for DHL Services, ASC Cargo Handling, and Menzies Aviation have all received and accepted a new pay deal but workers employed by Gatwick Ground Services (GGS) are currently debating on the new pay offer. Hence there is still a chance of GGS workers’ strike from August 4 to 8.