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Industrial Luton airport workers to walk out over ‘paltry pay’

WORKERS at Luton airport are planning to strike over pay, working conditions and alleged bullying.

The walkouts will include firefighters, security guards, baggage handlers and staff who assist disabled passengers, who are in dispute with the airport’s operators London Luton Airport and with firms subcontracted to provide services.

The workers’ union Unite has accused the operators and subcontractors of imposing “paltry pay and zero hours contracts.”

A one-day strike will begin at 7am on Friday May 25.

Unite says airport bosses have awarded themselves “sky-high” pay increases while proposing below-inflation deals for employees.

The union said Luton Airport’s directors’ remuneration recently increased by 59 per cent and the highest-paid director received an increase of 48 per cent.

But the company expects workers to accept an increase of only 2.5 per cent.

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: “London Luton Airport now faces severe disruption unless management get around the table and negotiate a fair deal which recognises the contribution workers make.

“Turnover at Luton airport is up, company profits are up and passenger numbers are up. Workers at Luton airport deserve a decent rate of pay for their work and to be treated fairly by management.” 

Unite members at Menzies Aviation, which undertakes baggage handling at the airport, have also voted in favour of strike action.

The dispute concerns the company’s failure to improve their current deal in line with rising inflation, breaches of the recognition agreement, poor working conditions and a lack of communication.

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