A union at Gatwick Airport has said "substantial disruption" is "looming" as it plans to announce further strikes - despite calling off action today.
Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell said “the threat of strike action continues to loom over Gatwick" after calling off this weekend's strike action - which would have caused chaos for thousands travelling through the airport on their summer holidays.
Ground handling workers at GGS were set to go on strike at the airport between Friday, August 4 and Tuesday, August 8 amid a row over pay.
But the workers have now voted to accept an improved pay offer of 10.3 per cent following negotiations with the union.
This means tens of thousands of holidaymakers will not be delayed this weekend due to the strike action.
General secretary of the Unite union Sharon Graham said: “This is a significant pay increase for workers at GGS. From the outset our members have been rock solid in their determination to secure a fair pay increase which has resulted in a just settlement.
“The pay campaign at Gatwick Airport is a great example of how Unite’s unwavering commitment to jobs, pay and conditions for our members is delivering substantial financial benefits for workers.”
However, the union has warned of further action to come as Red Handling, which undertakes ground handling for a number of airlines, along with Wilson James DHL Gatwick Direct, have all voted for industrial action in disputes over pay.
Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell said: “Further strikes will be called in the near future, which will cause substantial disruption across the airport, unless the companies concerned make vastly improved offers which meet our members’ expectations.”
The GGS workforce will receive a significant market rate adjustment in their shift pay.
The planned strike action by ground handlers at DHL Ground Handling, ASC and Menzies had already been called off following dramatically improved pay offers which scored them 13 per cent increase for ground handling staff and a 17 per cent increase for the lowest paid staff, as well as enhancements to annual leave and sick pay.
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