Fuelling fair pay

Strikes by Gatwick plane refuellers employed by Redline Oil have ended after Unite secured a pay deal worth 9.1 per cent for hourly rates.

The workers voted to accept the 18-month deal by 92 per cent on a turnout of 87 per cent. They will receive a 4.75 per cent pay rise backdated to October 2024, plus an additional 1.75 per cent from October 2025.

The deal also includes a reduction in the working week from 40 to 39 hours with no loss of pay backdated to October 2024. The reduction in the working week increases the hourly rate by 2.6 per cent – bringing the full value of the deal to 9.1 per cent.

There is also a reduction in the number of days the workers must wait to receive sick pay, from three days to one. Pay deals will also now come into effect from October rather than April, bringing the anniversary date in line with other Gatwick refuellers.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “A huge well done to Redline Oil workers at Gatwick who stood together for fair pay and won. This deal is another example of how Unite’s total focus on defending and improving jobs, pay and conditions at Gatwick continues to pay dividends for the airport’s workers.”

Last summer, Unite secured average pay rises of 8.3 per cent for more than 4,600 workers employed by 11 different companies at Gatwick in a matter of weeks.

The Redline Oil workers took two rounds of strike action in May. All further industrial action has now been called off.

Unite regional officer Ben Davis said: “This deal shows our members win when they stand in solidarity and refuse to accept poor offers from employers. Those who want better wages and working conditions should join Unite and organise their colleagues to join as well.”

Just last year Unite secured a recognition agreement for the workers at Redline Oil Services Gatwick, a ruling that ensured Redline workers would have collective trade union bargaining rights when it comes to pay and conditions. 

Unite has also been winning large pay rises for its members at Gatwick over recent years, and will continue to stand up for fair pay across the airport.

By Keith Hatch