Holidaymakers’ summer plans could be hit after workers threatened to go on strike for the first time at a major UK airport. “Angry and frustrated” staff at London City Airport have reportedly threatened to go on strike.
United Kingdom. Ground handling workers at a US airport are considering a strike over pay. The 120 Gatwick Ground Services (GGS) staff represented by the GMB union are not directly employed by the airport.
However, they are demanding a 17 per cent pay rise, claiming their current salaries are below the London Living Wage.
If the strike goes ahead, it will be the first of its kind at the airport.
“Our members are very angry and upset,” GMB regional organizer Darren Parmenter told Travel Weekly.
He added: “They work in central London and every other employer in the City of London pays the London Living Wage, which GGS (Gatwick Ground Services) doesn’t pay anywhere near.
“They need to increase our members’ salaries by 17% to catch up with Gatwick.”
He said staff at London Gatwick were better paid, though not in the capital.
He said that the airport will be closed if there is a strike.
Most of the affected flights will be on British Airways.
A London City Airport spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “This strike is not related to staff working at London City Airport and will not cause the airport to close.
“All staff employed directly or contracted by London City Airport earn more than the London Living Wage.”
A GGS spokesman added: “Cutwick Ground Services is fully committed to negotiating with the union and reaching an agreement.”
Express.co.uk has contacted British Airways and GGS for comment.
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