Win for Luton Airport baggage handlers

Planned strikes this Easter by Luton Airport baggage handlers and check in staff, employed by GH London Ground Handling Services on the Wizz Air contract, have been called off after Unite secured a deal to provide sick pay to the workers for the first time.

The company has also pledged to compensate workers for the persistent payroll problems.

Around 100 members of Unite were due to begin strike action tomorrow (April 14) with strikes lasting until Tuesday, April 19.

Workers with at least a year’s service will receive 13 weeks of sick pay with a mixture of full pay and half pay depending on their length of service.

Additionally, the company has agreed to pay each worker £100 compensation if their pay is late.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “This is an important victory for our members at GH London Ground Handling. By standing together, prepared to take strike action, they have secured company sick pay for the first time, and won compensation for late pay.

“This win is further proof of Unite’s determination to drive up pay and conditions across UK aviation.”

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge added, “Once GH London Ground Handling realised the strength of feeling among the workforce it returned to the negotiating table and made an offer on sick pay and late payments that our members accepted.”

By Barckley Sumner