Gatwick bank holiday strike threat off as workers accept new pay deal

The union Unite said its members employed by ground handler Red Handling and passenger assistance firm Wilson James called off a walkout scheduled for 25-28 August after accepting 14% and 16% pay increases respectively.

Staff at Red Handling have also received improved overtime rates and better sick pay, while those working for Wilson James are still in talks over better sick pay. 

“This is a tremendous achievement – Unite has coordinated industrial disputes across Gatwick to secure well deserved pay increases for its members,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. 

“The pay campaign at Gatwick this summer is one of the clearest examples yet of how Unite’s relentless focus on jobs, pay and conditions is paying direct financial dividends for its members.”

Set to take place between 18-21 and 25-28 August, the first three days of strike action were called off at the end of last week to allow Unite members to be balloted on the new pay deal.