News

Luton airport strike averted

A pay deal has been reached to prevent strike action by ground staff at Luton airport.

Baggage handlers, check-in staff, passenger service assistants and security staff employed by Menzies Aviation at the airport voted to accept a pay offer worth 8.75%.

The agreement means a typical baggage handlers’ annual pay will increase by around £1,670 by January 2019, according to the Unite union.

Workers will receive an additional £1 an hour for working unsociable hours.

The union and management have also agreed to make improvements to working conditions, which had been a long running concern for the workforce at the airport.

The agreement was struck after a series of talks with Menzies Aviation after workers voted in favour of strike action.

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: “The workforce took a brave stand in order to improve their working conditions and pay.

“By standing together they achieved just that. Not only did they secure a deserved inflation beating pay increase of almost nine per cent, management are now working with the union to make significant improvements to working conditions.

“The workforce will receive a five per cent increase backdated to October 2017 followed by 3.75% or the RPI, whichever is higher, from January 2019.

“Workers will also get an additional £1 per hour for an unsociable hours premium for hours worked from 00.00 am to 4.59am effective May 2019.”

MoreLuton airport baggage handlers to strike

Luton airport criticised in Which? survey

Luton airport apologises for ‘unacceptable’ delays

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.