Planned strikes this Easter by Luton Airport baggage handlers and check in staff, employed by GH London Ground Handling Services on the Wizz Air contract, have been called off after Unite secured a deal to provide sick pay to the workers for the first time.

 

The company has also pledged to compensate workers for the persistent payroll problems.

 

Sick pay victory

 

Around 100 members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, were due to begin strike action tomorrow (Thursday 14 April) with strikes lasting until Tuesday 19 April.

 

Workers with at least a year’s service will receive 13 weeks of sick pay with a mixture of full pay and half pay depending on their length of service.

 

Additionally, the company has agreed to pay each worker £100 compensation if their pay is late.

 

Important victory

 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an important victory for our members at GH London Ground Handling. By standing together, prepared to take strike action, they have secured company sick pay for the first time, and won compensation for late pay.

 

“This win is further proof of Unite’s determination to drive up pay and conditions across UK aviation.”

 

New offer

 

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: “Once GH London Ground Handling realised the strength of feeling among the workforce it returned to the negotiating table and made an offer on sick pay and late payments that our members accepted.”

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors:

 

Luton Easter holiday strikes by baggage handlers and check-in staff to impact Wizz Air

 

During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

 

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

 

Email: [email protected]

 

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion Web: unitetheunion.org

 

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.