Passengers travelling via Stansted have been warned to expect delays owing to a walkout by workers employed at the airport by ABM Industries, who provide assistance to passengers with reduced mobility.
ABM's Unite union members at Stansted have voted to walk out over 17-20 April after rejecting a pay offer described by the union as "one of the meanest" it has ever seen.
The action is expected to impact operations at the airport, potentially resulting in longer boarding times as airlines make alternative arrangements for passengers requiring additional support.
Unite said 97% of those balloted backed strike action following an offer from ABM of an additional 1p per hour in the first year, rising by a further 2p or 3p in the second year.
General secretary Sharon Graham called the offer "beyond contempt", with ABM choosing to "prioritise greed and expose its workers to a real-terms pay cut."
Unite regional officer Steve Edwards said disruption could still be avoided if the company returned with an improved offer. "Any strike action and the resulting disruption is entirely the fault of ABM for putting profits over people," he said.
An ABM spokesperson told TTG that the union's description of their proposal was "not accurate".
"The offer we have proposed is a structured, staged pay increase over time, designed to provide an uplift to hourly rates," they said. "We are disappointed that industrial action is to be taken given our constructive engagement."
ABM added that the company would continue to negotiate "in good faith" with Unite, with the immediate priority being to limit disruption.
"Through comprehensive contingency planning, we intend to continue delivering services throughout this period, with measures in place to maintain safety, operational resilience, and service continuity as far as possible," they said.
