Gatwick strikes: Holidaymakers warned of 'severe disruption' as fresh walkouts announced

Unite has issued a caution to vacationers about the "major disturbance" they might encounter at Gatwick Airport in the upcoming weeks due to the declaration of another round of strikes by ground staff.

Over 230 employees, employed by two subcontracted companies at the London location, are planning to go on strike on various dates in August due to a disagreement regarding their wages, as stated by the union.

Unite anticipates that approximately 216 flights might face disruption during the initial round of industrial action. The union asserts that this could potentially impact around 45,000 passengers.

Following the retraction of strike plans by approximately 1,000 Gatwick employees from four different organizations, due to the promising offer of substantial salary increments, this development has occurred.

The individuals participating in the recent strikes comprise of luggage handlers and ground personnel employed by Red Handling. This company provides services for various airlines such as Norse Atlantic, Norwegian, Delta, and TAP Air Portugal.

They have scheduled a protest that will last for four consecutive days starting from Friday 18th August, and an additional four days starting from Friday 25th August - this encompasses the long weekend of the August bank holiday.

According to Unite, the workers at Red Handling receive a wage of approximately £11 to £12 per hour, making it one of the lowest pay rates for similar positions.

Additionally, participating in the initiative are unionized workers who work for Wilson James, the company responsible for managing Gatwick's passenger assistance services for all airlines.

Check it out: A large number of travelers were affected by flight cancellations at Gatwick airport because of severe weather conditions. TUI, a travel company, experienced a loss of £21.5 million due to the wildfires that occurred in Greece. However, despite these setbacks, EasyJet decided to cancel over 1,000 flights during the summer period due to congestion issues in Europe.

According to Unite, the employees earning £10.93 per hour will engage in a strike for three consecutive days starting on Friday 18 August. Additionally, they will participate in another strike lasting for three days beginning on Tuesday 22 August.

Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, expressed that both Red Handling and Wilson James should awaken and perceive the reality of the situation.

Other companies at the airport are willing to offer the standard payment, and there is no justification for them not to do so.

Our members will never agree to receive a pay decrease in real value and wages that keep them in poverty.

Unite's unwavering attention to the employment, remuneration, and circumstances of its members will translate to unyielding backing for our members stationed at Gatwick.

A representative from Wilson James expressed their frustration regarding the strike declaration and mentioned that they had presented a wage increase offer to their employees that exceeds the inflation rate.

They stated: "We are conducting ongoing discussions and reconciliation efforts with the assistance of ACAS, with the aim of achieving a mutually satisfactory agreement for all involved parties.

As we maintain open and honest communication with our union counterparts, we are also getting ready for potential strike action by making alternate arrangements. This is to assure the passengers who trust us to facilitate their travels that they can make their plans without any worries.

Unite informed Sky News that it is advocating for improved salaries that meet the expectations of its members. This action was prompted by the fact that employees at other companies who voted to participate in strikes received significant increases in their wages.

A representative from London Gatwick has acknowledged the outcome of the recent voting process and urges employees at Wilson James, Red Handling, and their labor union to find a solution.

"We are committed to assisting Wilson James, the firm responsible for providing aid to travelers, in their preparation for unforeseen situations."

In addition, we will provide assistance to the airlines that have contractual agreements with Red Handling. We will work together with them to develop backup strategies, ensuring that a significant number of flights proceed as planned.

The security personnel at Heathrow Airport has also canceled a series of planned strikes during the summer season following their approval of a salary agreement.