Gatwick workers set to strike during July in pay dispute

About 300 Gatwick security screeners and passenger services staff will strike over pay next month.

Unite the union said the pay strikes involve 100 baggage security screeners employed by ICTS and 200 Wilson James workers who provide special assistance services for vulnerable passengers.

Both sets of workers, who earn just above the minimum wage, have rejected pay offers from their employers and will strike from July 12-14 July and July 19-21.

Further industrial action will be scheduled if the disputes are not resolved.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “These workers undertake incredibly demanding roles at one of the UK’s busiest airports. They are simply seeking a fair day’s pay.”

The union claimed the strikes will cause “significant disruption” to security screening and passenger services.

Furthermore, 100 dnata HGV drivers and warehouse workers who provide easyJet’s onboard catering at Gatwick are being balloted for strike action over shift pay payments.

Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell said: “There is still time to avoid industrial action, but that will require these companies to table deals that are acceptable to our members.”

A Gatwick spokesperson said: “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.”