Luton airport Easter strikes off as Unite secures sick pay victory

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 the general union Unite secured a deal to provide sick pay to the workers for the first time.

Under the deal, 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. The company has also agreed to compensate workers for persistent payroll problems, with a £100 payment for each worker if their pay is late.

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.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham added: “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.

https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2022/april/luton-airport-easter-strikes-off-as-unite-secures-sick-pay-victory