More planned strikes at London Gatwick airport have been cancelled after one group of ground handlers accepted a 15 per cent pay increase, with other workers also due to vote on their own deals.
The Unite union had already downgraded industrial action by DHL workers, who are contracted to provide ground services for easyJet. These strikes have now been cancelled completely after the 600 staff voted to accept the deal to increase their hourly rates.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent result secured by the steadfast position of our DHL members. Once again, workers are gaining real material benefits from Unite’s absolute focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions.”
The union also represents 450 ground handlers working for ASC, Menzies Aviation and GGS at Gatwick, with progress being made on these separate disputes.
Staff working for ASC and Menzies at Gatwick are being balloted on improved pay offers, which could end these disputes.
But if ASC workers turn down the pay offer, then they are set to go on strike on 28 July-1 August and then 4-8 August.
Menzies workers have already suspended their strikes between 28 July and 1 August. But they will go ahead with walkouts on 4-8 August if they reject the pay offer.
Unite said that talks with GGS were “progressing in a positive direction”. Strikes by these workers due to take place on 28 July-1 August have been suspended but walkouts from 4-8 August will continue unless an agreement is reached.