The Unite Union members that are ready to take industrial action are employed by four different companies at the Sussex airport – ASC, Menzies Aviation, GGS and DHL Services Ltd. They are employed in various roles, including, aircraft dispatch, baggage handling, check-in, customer service, ground handling and ramp agent. Some of the airlines that will face major disruption include British Airways, easyjet, Ryanair, Tui, WestJet and Wizz Air.
Initial strike dates run from 28th July to 1st August, the second period is scheduled for 4th August to 8th August with a longer period planned for later in August. The union is happy to destroy the travel plans of other hard-working people by timing the industrial action at the start of the peak summer school holiday period.
Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell said: “Strike action will inevitably cause severe delays, disruption and cancellations across Gatwick’s operations but this dispute is entirely of the companies own making. They have had every opportunity to make our members’ a fair pay offer but have chosen not to do so.”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Our members at Gatwick Airport undertake incredibly demanding roles and are essential to keeping the airport and airlines working, yet their employers somehow think it is acceptable to pay them a pittance.
As part of Unite’s unyielding focus on the jobs, pay and condition of its members the union has drawn a line in the sand and is committed to eradicating the scourge of low pay at the airport."
Wages for many jobs at Gatwick Airport are reportedly on average, 6.3% higher than corresponding positions in the nearby towns of Horley and Crawley, according to recent surveys.