Gatwick Airport, the second largest airport in the UK, is bracing for strikes later this month, with its baggage screeners set to walk out between 22 and 26 August and 29 August to 2 September. The dispute, over pay, could cause substantial delays for travellers, including during the busy August Bank Holiday weekend.
Strike Action could “intensify” at London Gatwick Airport
The baggage screeners, employed by ICTS, are among the lowest-paid workers at the airport, earning just above minimum wage according to the Unite Union, which announced the strike.
Unite Union General Secretary, Sharon Graham, said:
“ICTS has more than enough money to offer these workers a fair pay rise. Not doing so is just corporate greed. ICTS’ Gatwick workers will receive Unite’s complete backing for as long as it takes during their strikes for fair pay.”
The Union has also warned that the industrial action will “intensify” if a resolution cannot be agreed. It has said that all flights out of the airport could be disrupted if the strike action takes place.
Unite regional officer Ben Davis said:
“ICTS is entirely responsible for the disruption that will be caused to Gatwick passengers during the strike action. It can well afford to put forward an acceptable pay offer and that is what needs to happen. Despite performing a critical role, these workers are amongst the lowest paid at the airport. Gatwick should be stepping in and pressuring ICTS to put an improved offer forward.”
Hope that a Deal can be Made
London Gatwick Airport handled 43.2 million passengers in 2024, making it the second busiest airport in the UK, after London Heathrow.
Discussing the upcoming strike, an airport spokesperson said:
“We are working with our suppliers to avoid any impacts and we expect to operate a normal summer holiday flight schedule for our airlines and passengers on these dates. Of course, we hope ICTS and their union can reach a resolution before then.”
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