Gatwick strike off

A 48-hour strike at Gatwick Airport which was scheduled to begin on Friday, December 12, has been called off, after the company involved, Wilson James, offered a vastly improved pay offer.

Members of Unite, employed by logistics giant, Wilson James provide assistance to passengers with disabilities at Gatwick airport. The workers who are paid just ÂŁ8.27 an hour were seeking a significant pay increase.

Following talks held at the conciliation service Acas last Thursday (December 13), Wilson James made an improved offer, which will result in staff receiving an additional ÂŁ1 an hour — an 8.5 per cent pay rise — and workers who don’t currently receive sick pay will receive it in the future.

Unite is conducting a postal ballot of its members with a recommendation to accept the pay offer.

Unite regional officer Jamie Major said,“The talks last week were very positive and as a result the strikes planned for this week have been called off.

“Our members tasked Unite with getting a ÂŁ1 an hour pay increase and the union has delivered that for 2019,” he added.

“The hardworking staff who are dedicated to assisting passengers who require special assistance at Gatwick airport have been undervalued for far too long. This deal begins to address this.

“I would like to thank Matt Penfold from Acas for his assistance in reaching this deal which is good news for our members.”