Holiday chaos fears as Gatwick Airport set for strikes
A major UK airport could be set for strikes next month leaving thousands of holidaymakers facing "disastrous" disruption. Travellers hoping to catch a summer break are likely to be caught up in chaos as airport staff at Gatwick are planning to strike over a dispute, according to Unite.
The UK's second busiest airport could see at least 70 per cent of EasyJet flights from taking off next month after plane refuellers from World Fuel Services are planning a walk-out from the start of next month. Unite union members refuel over 250 planes each day, with EasyJet accounting for more than half of all departures from Gatwick Airport.
One worker, who did not want to be named, admitted they don't "want" to go on strike but have been left with no other option. They told The Sun: "(A strike) would be disastrous. It would affect 70 per cent of EasyJet flights.
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"None of us want to do it. None of us. But the company, this American company, they're just being awkward and stubborn and changing the rules as they go along."
Bosses offered workers a 4.25 per cent pay increase over a year and a 7.25 per cent pay rise over two but this has been rejected, according to the unhappy worker.
The employee claimed management are hiring temporary workers in a bid to "cover up" any potential strikes.
"They've done this by bringing in the temp [workers]. They have hired seven temporary workers," they added.
'They took them on recently because they thought we were going to strike over Easter and training-wise, they were rushed through.'
'They think they can get by with the temporary workers and those who aren't on strike but it will be a mess.
'In busy seasons, you're looking at about 220 to maybe 275 planes [to refuel] a day.'
Unite said the strikes could coincide with over 100 employees of baggage handlers, check-in staff, and flight dispatchers at Red Handling, are set to walkout.
"We are not being greedy - currently, we can't book any holidays," the employee continued.
"They are refusing us to book any because they're worried about us going on strike, so they cancelled all holidays. The company is being ass h*les to us.'
The worker admitted not all staff are due to go on strike and that five out of the 48 employees are unlikely to join them.
General secretary Sharon Graham said: "Workers at both companies have had enough of poor pay offers and appalling treatment from their employers and it is little surprise they are taking strike action."
Gatwick Airport has been approached for comment.
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