‘Pay justice’ fight

Low paid cleaners at Luton Airport have rejected a pay offer from their employer Sasse because the offer does not meet their fair demand to be paid a Real Living Wage of ÂŁ8.75 from this year.

100 per cent of workers who took part in a ballot on the pay offer rejected the deal. Union representatives for the Sasse workforce are now making preparations to hold a ballot for strike action. The cleaners will be the fourth group of workers to hold a ballot for strike action at the airport in disputes over pay and conditions, while the owners of the airport have posted profits of ÂŁ39,651 million.

The workers who are responsible for maintaining a safe and clean environment for staff and passengers at Luton Airport are currently struggling to make ends meet on the minimum wage of ÂŁ7.83. Sasse which was awarded the contract by Luton Airport have offered a three year pay deal to increase their pay, but by 2021 workers will still be earning below the Real Living Wage.

“Cleaners at Luton are preparing for a strike ballot to fight for pay justice,” said Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge. “Sasse is offering too little too late. Unless the company improves its offer the airport faces its fourth strike ballot over pay this year.

“Growing passenger numbers at Luton mean that keeping the airport safe and clean for staff and passengers is hard work,” he added. “Cleaners deserve a Real Living Wage so they can afford the day-to-day essentials.

“Profits are up for Sasse and Luton Airport announced profits of £39,651 million. With healthy profits and growing passenger numbers, Luton and its contractors have no excuse for paying workers below the Real Living Wage.”