Employees who are members of trade union Unite and are directly employed by London Luton Airport, are planning to undertake strike action from Friday 25 May 2018 to 6.30 am on Wednesday 30 May 2018, in a dispute over pay and zero hour contracts.
Unite members, including firefighters and security guards, voted for strike action in response to the organisation’s offer of a 2.5% pay increase.
Baggage handlers at Menzies Aviation, who are also members of Unite, have voted in favour of strike action over concerns that the organisation has failed to improve their current deal in line with rising inflation levels, breaches of the recognition agreement, poor working conditions and a lack of communication.
Unite members, who are employed by Clece Care Service, who provide assistance at the airport to passengers with reduced mobility, are also planning on strike action due to zero hour contracts and not receiving the real living wage.
According to Unite, Luton Airport’s recent financial statements showed that the organisation’s directors’ remuneration has increased by 59% and the airport’s revenue has risen by 10.8%, with pre-tax profits of £44 million.
However, the trade union is advising employees to consider further negotiations to avoid any severe disruptions to travellers over the bank holiday.
Jeff Hodge, regional officer at Unite, said: “London Luton Airport now faces severe disruption unless management get around the table and negotiate a fair deal which recognises the contribution workers make.
“Turnover at Luton airport is up, company profits are up and passenger numbers are up. This April alone saw passenger numbers growing to 1.3 million people. That’s the 15th consecutive month of over a million passengers passing through the airport. Workers at Luton airport deserve a decent rate of pay for their work and to be treated fairly by management.
“These ballot results demonstrate that members will no longer accept paltry pay and unfair treatment.”
I can understand the frustration of these employees but as a worker that has had to except 1.75% and may be affected by this disruption I am disappointed. Still if I lose my job due to this I can always sue the union and its members. Sorry.