Holiday pay result

Unite has won compensation for cabin crew for underpayment on all elements of holiday pay at easyJet.

 

The ground-breaking deal covers basic pay, sector pay and commission. Cabin crew’s holiday pay has been almost doubled and easyJet has agreed to two years of back pay for all eligible employees.

 

The deal covers all cabin crew right across the company.

 

“We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and it’s a tribute to the trade union movement demonstrating why every employee should join their union,” said Simon McCartney, Unite regional officer.

 

“It’s about strength in numbers,” he added.

 

The commission element had been delaying the deal. Commission does not relate to all airlines, only those operating a paid for trolley service.

 

It is calculated on sales of food, drink and duty free items.

 

“Although this deal won’t necessarily set a precedent for all airlines it could have broader implications across the economy,” said Simon.

 

“Employees who are paid commission could possibly renegotiate their holiday pay to reflect this,” he added.

 

Talks with easyJet began over a year ago. Management at the airline had been resisting settling on the commission element of holiday pay because of a British Gas case that was going to appeal on commission.

 

“But all cases are heading in the same direction and this case is a benchmark for doing the right thing,” said Simon.

 

Unite balloted for industrial action over pay and the company then made a counter offer which included the holiday pay.

 

“EasyJet spoke about Unite as a minority union and thought they could delay on a decision on the commission part of the settlement,” he added.

 

The airline’s core cabin crew workforce stands at around 2,500 and Unite represents the vast majority of them.

 

“Strike action is always a last resort but once we began balloting our member’s, management realised just how much of a problem a strike would be,” added Simon.

 

“I hope this fantastic result for our members shows people, in a time where trade unions are under attack from a Tory government, that we are here for the people and we are here to stay,” he added.