Luton baggage handlers to strike

Easter holiday strikes at Luton airport by baggage handlers and check-in staff employed by GH London Ground Handling Services will impact Wizz Air passengers, Unite warned today (April 5).

Unite said around 100 of its members will strike between April 14 and 19, over GH London’s failure to introduce promised improvements to sick pay for all employees.

The workers are also striking over the regular failure to pay wages on time.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “There’s a cost-of-living crisis gripping the country – workers need every penny of their wages, and they need it paid on time. GH London has to get a grip to sort out its payroll and stick to its promise to give company sick pay to all employees.

“Unite is entirely dedicated to defending our members’ jobs, pay and conditions and GH London’s workforce have the union’s full backing during these strikes.”

Wizz Air is based at Luton airport and flies to more than 140 destinations.

Unite’s GH London members voted by 96 per cent for industrial action in a ballot with an 82 per cent turnout.

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodges added, “GH London has a rapidly closing window of time to stop Easter holiday disruption for Wizz Air passengers.

“The company seems to have gone out of its way to treat employees with contempt but there is still time for these strikes to be avoided. GH London simply has to keep its promises on sick pay and fix its payroll system.”

By Ryan Fletcher