The Unite union announced on Wednesday (9 August) 230 workers contracted by ground handling company Red Handling and passenger assistance firm Wilson James will walk over the next couple of weeks, affecting airlines including Norse Atlantic, Delta and Tap.
Red Handling staff will down tools between 18-21 and 25-28 August, while the strike at Wilson James will take place between 18-20 and then again between 22-24 August.
“Red Handling and Wilson James need to wake up and smell the coffee, other employers at the airport are prepared to pay the going rate and there is no excuse why they shouldn’t do the same,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.
The strike comes as other ground handling staff – including those working for GGS, DHL and Menzies – have called off all industrial action at the airport after receiving revised offers.
“The strike action is set to cause severe disruption throughout Gatwick, but this dispute is totally of the employers’ own making, they have been given every opportunity to make our members a fair pay offer but have failed to do so,” added Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell.
A Wilson James spokesperson said the company remained engaged in conversations with workers, while at the same time preparing its contingency plans.
“We will support Wilson James, who hold the contract for providing assistance to passengers, in their contingency planning,” echoed Gatwick. “We will also support the airlines affected, who hold the contracts with Red Handling, with their contingency plans to ensure that as many flights as possible operate as scheduled.”
TTG has also approached Red Handling for comment.
