Strikes by baggage screeners at Gatwick Airport, previously set for August 22-26, have been called off, although the Unite union has indicated that additional walkouts may still occur. The decision to suspend the strike follows an improved pay offer from ICTS, the company employing the baggage screeners. Unite plans to hold a ballot for its members to vote on the new pay proposal. If the members reject this offer, a second series of strikes is scheduled for August 29 to September 2.
Gatwick Airport expressed satisfaction with the suspension of the planned strikes. ICTS has not yet provided a comment regarding the situation. The union has claimed that ICTS staff are among the lowest-paid workers at Gatwick, reportedly earning just above the minimum wage.
Prior to the revised pay offer, Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, emphasized that ICTS possesses sufficient financial resources to provide a fair wage increase. She stated that the union would fully support the workers during their strike actions in pursuit of equitable pay.
The union has argued that strikes would result in disruption to all flights departing from Gatwick, asserting that ICTS would be wholly responsible for any resulting inconvenience. In response, Gatwick Airport rejected these claims, asserting that it is taking measures to mitigate potential disruptions and anticipates maintaining a standard flight schedule throughout the summer holiday period, including during any potential strikes.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx23lex0rd5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss