Hundreds of baggage handlers and check-in staff employed by GH London (formally Azzurra) at Heathrow and Luton airports are set to start strike action later in April in two separate disputes over low pay, their union Unite announced today (Friday 12 April).

Over 300 workers at Heathrow’s Terminals 2 and 4 will strike from 00:01 on Friday 26 April to 23:59 on Monday 29 April after members voted overwhelmingly by 99.2 per cent to take strike action on a turnout of 68.4 per cent. Workers are angry at a six year pay freeze and seeking to secure a minimum pay rate of the London living wage.

Meanwhile over 120 GH London workers at Luton airport are planning to walk out at the same time in a one week stoppage from 18:00 on Friday 26 April to 17:59 on Friday 3 May. An earlier stoppage in March at Luton had been called off because of an improved pay offer, but the company has subsequently changed the structure of the deal angering the workforce.

Airlines handled by GH London in Heathrow Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 include: Air India, Thai Airlines, AlItalia, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Gulf Air, Air Serbia, Air Mauritius, Bulgaria Air, TunisAir, Tarom and Air Malta.

At Luton Airport GH London provides ground-handling services to Wizz Air. Wizz Air is a low-cost airline serving mainly central and eastern Europe with around 42 routes from Luton.

Kevin Hall Unite regional officer representing the workers at Heathrow said: “The overwhelming vote for strike action is proof that workers at Heathrow are fed up with year on year pay freezes.

“There is a lot of anger with more and more workers joining Unite to demand an end to this pay injustice.

“It is now time for GH London to recognise its workers’ contribution with a significant pay increase and a commitment to pay a minimum of the London living wage.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Alex Flynn Unite head of media and campaigns on 020 3371 2066 or 07967 665869 

Notes to editors
• Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.