Luton airport Easter strikes called off

Luton airport baggage handlers and check-in staff have called off plans for a strike over Easter after Unite union officials secured a deal to provide sick pay to workers for the first time.

The deal has been struck for staff employed by GH London Ground Handling Services on the Wizz Air contract.

About 100 members of Unite had been due to begin strike action on Thursday (April 14) with walkouts lasting until Tuesday (April 19).

Workers with at least a year’s service will receive 13 weeks of sick pay with a mixture of full pay and half pay depending on their length of service.

Additionally, the company has agreed to pay each worker £100 compensation if their pay is late.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an important victory for our members at GH London Ground Handling. By standing together, prepared to take strike action, they have secured company sick pay for the first time, and won compensation for late pay.

“This win is further proof of Unite’s determination to drive up pay and conditions across UK aviation.”

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge added: “Once GH London Ground Handling realised the strength of feeling among the workforce it returned to the negotiating table and made an offer on sick pay and late payments that our members accepted.”

Unite WIN for airport workers

Luton airport Easter strikes off after sick pay victory secured for ground staff.

“This win is further proof of Unite’s determination to drive up pay and conditions across UK aviation.” @UniteSharonhttps://t.co/sMZoi9v0Iapic.twitter.com/mjBFdpWlhk

— Unite the union: join a union (@unitetheunion) April 13, 2022

Picture of Luton airport by CraigHastings/Shutterstock.com