Major strikes to hit Gatwick: flights to France expected to be affected
Refuellers and baggage handlers are taking action in May and June
Multiple separate strike actions have been called, potentially affecting the low-cost carrier
Simone Previdi / Shutterstock
A major strike by plane refuellers at Gatwick airport is set to affect hundreds of flights from the airport, including those to and from France.
Two separate strike actions have been – between May 16 and 20 and May 23 and 27 – have been called by refuel workers over pay conditions, with 250 flights each day potentially impacted.
Low-cost carrier easyJet may be hit particularly hard as Gatwick is a major hub for the airline which operates around 50% of all Gatwick flights.
However, the airline has said its services should not be affected.
“Should any action go ahead, contingency plans that we have been advised are in place mean we do not expect any impact and our flying programme is currently planned to operate normally,” said a company spokesperson.
A separate wave of strike action by baggage handlers may cause further delays across the airport.
Initially set to begin this Sunday (May 11), a strike by baggage handlers working for Red Handling has been delayed.
Strike notices are still in place for May 18, May 25, and June 1, with management being given a deadline of Saturday May 10 to respond to worker demands.
Action held by workers from the company over the Easter period did not affect flights to and from France, as Red Handling works with airlines that mainly operate to other international destinations.
However, knock-on effects from the strike may impact flights across the airport.
Those planning to fly in and out of the airport on any of the scheduled dates should keep up to date with travel conditions through their airline or the airport.
Refunds will be available for passengers, but compensation is unlikely as non-airline staff strikes are usually classed as ‘extraordinary circumstances’ by companies and outside the scope of additional compensation.
Workers seek improved wages
Red Handling workers are continuing their action over a series of disputes with management, centred largely around a lack of pension pay, unpaid wages and discouragement from management over joining a union.
The refuellers strike is also related to pay conditions.
They have reportedly rejected pay increase offers of between 3.5% and 4.25%, seeking a 6% increase, as well as a reduction in working hours from 45 to 39.
Read more: Major French rail union calls for more strikes in June
