Luton baggage handlers in last minute talks to avoid bank holiday strike
One of Luton Airport’s baggage handlers is meeting with union representatives today (Thursday) in a last-ditch attempt to avoid a strike, which could disrupt passengers over the bank holiday weekend.
If they fail to reach an agreement, Unite is threatening workers will walk out from 3am on Saturday to 2pm on Sunday.
The strike will affect passengers flying with easyJet, Vueling, Jet2, Air Nostrum, Blue Air and TAROM.
Unite said a pay deal offered by baggage handler Menzies Aviation to its Luton-based staff ‘fails to recognise their hard work and the rising cost of living’.
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: "In April passenger numbers grew to 1.3 million people at Luton. That’s 15 months in a row of over a million passengers passing through the airport.
"Baggage handlers at Luton Airport deserve a decent rate of pay for their contribution to the business."
Of the workers who took part in a ballot, 79% rejected the offer from Menzies.
Separately, workers including firefighters and security guards employed by Luton Airport have postponed planned industrial action, which was due to begin on Friday, after bosses put a revised pay offer on the table. Unite said it would be inviting members to vote on the new deal.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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