Weekend walkouts at Gatwick called off but more strikes loom
Will PayneThere will be no strike action at Gatwick this weekend (4-8 August) after GGS ground handlers, contracted at the airport by British Airways, voted to accept an improved pay offer.
Following the announcement of the walkouts, further negotiations were held with GGS and an improved offer worth 10.3% was agreed. In addition, the workforce will receive a significant market rate adjustment in their shift pay, further increasing the value of the offer.
The vote ensures all planned strike action by Unite members at four ground handling contractors at Gatwick is headed off before coming to walkouts after workers employed by ASC, Menzies Aviation, GGS and DHL Services Ltd called the action in July.
Last week, ground handlers employed at Gatwick by ASC and Menzies called off strike action planned for the coming days and weeks after accepting a new pay deal.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is a significant pay increase for workers at GGS. From the outset our members have been rock solid in their determination to secure a fair pay increase which has resulted in a just settlement."
However, while it brings to an end one pay dispute at Gatwick, another is under way following another strike ballot, which could see ground handlers serving Norwegian Air, Norse Atlantic Airways and Delta Air Lines walk out, along with employees from Wilson James, which fulfils the airport’s passenger assistance contract, and DHL Gatwick Direct.
No dates have yet been set for the new action.
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