Holiday travellers have been handed a major reprieve after planned strikes by airport workers at London Luton Airport were called off at the eleventh hour.
Deal Reached to Avert Boxing Day Chaos
Some 200 baggage handlers and check-in staff, who are subcontracted to work for easyJet by DHL, were due to walk out from Boxing Day until 28 December. The industrial action threatened to cause severe disruption to 205 flights during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Following urgent negotiations between the Unite union, employer DHL, and the conciliation service Acas, an improved pay offer has been tabled. The planned strikes have now been suspended while union members are balloted on the new proposal.
Background of the Pay Dispute
The workers, who had already staged a three-day walkout from 19 to 21 December, have been calling for a pay increase. Unite had stated that its members were seeking a 4.5 per cent pay rise and highlighted a pay disparity, noting that DHL workers performing the same roles at Gatwick Airport receive £3 per hour more.
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge confirmed the breakthrough, stating: "Following negotiations, DHL returned to the table with an improved offer to our members. We've suspended strike action to allow them to have their say on whether to accept it."
Heathrow Strike Continues
While the threat at Luton has receded, industrial action continues at Heathrow Airport in a separate pay dispute. Approximately 80 cleaners, employed by facilities firm OCS to work in British Airways offices and buildings, remain on strike.
Those workers, who are currently paid the national minimum wage of £12.21 per hour, are demanding the London Living Wage of £13.85 per hour. Their walkout began on 18 December and is scheduled to continue until 29 December.
The resolution at Luton Airport will bring significant relief to thousands of passengers who faced the prospect of cancelled or severely delayed flights during the festive season. All eyes will now be on the worker ballot to see if the new pay offer is formally accepted.
