Gatwick strike ‘to hit thousands’ over August bank holiday as more Tube walkouts loom

Many individuals enjoying their summer vacations may encounter possible inconvenience, as a labor union has declared strikes by Gatwick Airport employees towards the end of this month due to a disagreement regarding wages.

Employees who are part of the union called Unite, and are employed by the ground handling firm known as Red Handling, will be going on strike for a duration of four days beginning on Friday, August 18. Additionally, they will also strike for four more days starting from Friday, August 25. This means that their strike period will cover the upcoming weekend of the August bank holiday.

Union members who are employed by Wilson James, the company in charge of Gatwick Airport's passenger assistance contract, are planning to go on strike for three days starting from August 18. They will then resume the strike for an additional three days starting from August 22.

The protests will encompass a workforce exceeding 230 employees in its entirety.

Unite stated that both companies in question have not presented offers that meet the workers' hopes.

Red Handling is in charge of providing ground handling services for Norse Atlantic, Norwegian, Delta, TAP Air Portugal, and Saudi Airlines.

In the initial four-day strike at Red Handling, Unite anticipates that approximately 45,000 travelers may experience disruptions or delays as a result, with an estimated 216 flights being affected.

The chosen strike action is expected to bring about major disturbances across Gatwick Airport, yet this disagreement is entirely the fault of the employers. They have been provided with ample chances to present our members with a just salary proposal, but have neglected to do so.

"The companies should cease stalling and present a proposal that aligns with the desires of our members."

A representative from Gatwick Airport stated that they are knowledgeable about the outcome of the recent vote and urge the employees of Wilson James, Red Handling, and their union to come to a mutual agreement.

"We will back up Wilson James, the company responsible for offering passenger assistance, in their preparations for unexpected situations."

Additionally, we will provide assistance to the airlines impacted by the situation, specifically those who have contractual agreements with Red Handling. Our aim is to collaborate with them in devising alternative strategies to guarantee the smooth execution of a maximum number of flights according to their original schedules.

The planned strikes for this week have been canceled following the acceptance of a pay proposal.

Employees working for Gatwick Ground Services (GGS) who are under the British Airways agreement, have joined DHL Ground Handling, ASC, and Menzies workers in halting their industrial action after reaching satisfactory wage agreements.

Workers from GGS have given their approval to an enhanced wage proposal of 10.3%, as reported by the Unite union.

The head of the labor union, Sharon Graham, expressed that the pay raise for GGS employees is of great importance.

"Right from the start, our members have shown unwavering determination to obtain a reasonable salary raise, leading to a satisfactory resolution."

The initiative for fair wages at Gatwick Airport serves as a remarkable illustration of how Unite's steadfast dedication to employment, salary, and circumstances of our affiliated individuals is yielding substantial economic advantages for laborers.

Meanwhile, passengers are confronted with the likelihood of additional disruption caused by strikes on the London Underground.

Train operators who are part of the Aslef union have decided to prolong their strike for an additional half a year due to a disagreement on salary matters.