Aer Lingus workers striking at Manchester Airport are set to disrupt operations later this month. Meanwhile at Gatwick Airport immigration services workers call of strike.
Immigration services workers at London Gatwick have called off a strike following an improved pay deal. Unite secured a 6% pay deal for workers backdated to April 2025.
Congratulating OCS Gatwick workers, Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said that by being prepared to take industrial action, OCS staff secured a huge increase in their pay offer. Originally OCS workers, who provide support to the UK Border Force, were offered a 2% increase. However, on 20 October they accepted a 6% increase.
“Once again, Unite’s total focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is wining for our members,” said Graham.
Industrial action originally scheduled for earlier in October was suspended while negotiations took place. A further strike for 27 October has now also been called off.
IN 2024, Unite secured an average pay rise of 8.3 % for more than 4,600 workers employed by 11 different companies at Gatwick.
“Unite’s work at Gatwick shows why it is the union for the UK’s airport and aviation workers,” said Unite Regional Coordinating Officer, Dominic Rothwell.
“Workers who want better wages and working lives should join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”
Flight disruptions at Manchester
Flight disruptions at ManchesterWhile industrial action at Gatwick is over, for the time being, it is a different story at Manchester Airport where a pay dispute by Aer Lingus cabin crew is set to cause disruptions later this month.
Aer Lingus is a major carrier operating out of Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 and 130 of its cabin crew workers have voted to strike.
The workers have rejected a pay rise of 9% this year and 3% next year. Many of the workers have complained that despite the offer of a pay increase their base salaries are so low they have had to take on additional jobs or work overtime to make up for the shortfall in pay.
Last year Aer Lingus recorded an operating profit of EUR 250 million. Its Chief Executives and Chief Financial Officer earned the bulk of almost EUR2.8 million in core director remuneration.
“It is completely unacceptable that hardworking staff at such a profitable airline are unable to afford the basics while senior management are making millions,” said Graham.
“Unite will not stand for it.”
Manchester expected severe disruptions
While Graham agreed the dispute will cause severe disruption for passengers travelling through the Manchester, she underlined the “blame lies squarely with Aer Lingus, who is putting profits over people.”
In response to the threat of strike action, Aer Lingus has said it will operate flights by non-Unite members to Dublin from Manchester, with connecting flights being served from the Irish capital. However, Unite cautioned this will cause further disruption for passengers as they face delays to their destination and changes to flights.
“We know anyone who is flying on these dates will be concerned of the impact to their travels, but our members have overwhelmingly voted for strike action as they feel they have no choice,” said Unite Regional Officer, John O’Neill.
“Aer Lingus can afford to come back to the table with a better offer that addresses years of low pay and the fact so many of our members are struggling to afford the basics. Instead of employing union busting tactics, they should come back to the negotiating table to end this dispute.”
