Gatwick strikes off

Two planned 48 hour stoppages involving Gatwick airport workers which were set to start tomorrow (November 20) and Monday, November 26 have been suspended while workers vote on a revised pay offer, Unite announced today (November 19).

The workers, employed by the logistics giant Wilson James, provide assistance to passengers with disabilities and those who need help getting around Gatwick airport.

The dispute centres on a demand for a £1 an hour pay rise. Those assisting disabled passengers are paid just £8.27 per hour.

Workers will now vote on whether to accept or reject a revised offer with voting closing on Monday, December 10. A third planned 48-hour stoppage on  December 21 and 23 is set to go ahead should members reject the offer and the pay dispute remains unresolved.

Commenting Unite regional officer Jamie Major said, “The two 48 hour stoppages in November have been suspended while members vote on whether to accept or reject a new pay offer from Wilson James.

“The last thing our members want is to cause inconvenience and distress to those passengers who rely on their services during their time at Gatwick.

“However, should they reject the new pay offer and no resolution to the dispute is found, then the possibility of a 48 hour strike in December remains live.”