Today’s top stories… Loo hell at Luton Airport

Two 24-hour strikes are planned at Luton Airport on August 11 and August 30 by over 30 Unite members working for Sasse Ltd on an outsourced contract.

The cleaners currently paid just £10.90 an hour, have rejected a pay increase of five per cent for day workers and seven per cent for night workers.

The strike action will mean toilets not being cleaned and general uncleanliness throughout the airport. Sasse is a successful company that made a gross profit of over £4m in 2022 and paid out a dividend of £500,000.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Sasse is prepared to pay out huge amounts in dividends, yet it doesn’t believe it is necessary to give its very low paid cleaners a fair pay increase. Our members at Sasse will be receiving the union’s complete support.”

Norwich hospital workers strike

Hospitals and health centres across Norwich and Norfolk facing significant disruption, as critical maintenance workers employed by Norse Commercial Services prepare to take strike action in a pay dispute.

The Unite members rejected a four per cent pay increase which was then imposed.  Strike action is due to start on August 17 until August 22. During this time the hospital trust will have no maintenance support, including emergency callouts. Further strikes are likely unless the dispute is swiftly resolved.

“Our members employed by Norse on the Norfolk hospital trust contract play an essential role, keeping the hospital and health centres fully functioning,” saidUnite general secretary Sharon Graham.

“Norse and the Norfolk Community hospital trust need to stop passing the buck and ensure our members receive a fair pay increase,” she added.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Unite will be organising a demonstration outside the Norfolk Community Health Care Trust head office, Bowthorpe Road, Norwich NR2 3TU on August 14 at 10.30 am

Compiled by Amanda Campbell