Luton Airport faces potential Christmas disruption as DHL staff ballot over easyJet pay dispute
Posted: 10 November 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
Check-in and baggage staff at Luton Airport employed by DHL could strike over pay, threatening easyJet operations during the busy Christmas period.
Passengers at London Luton Airport (LLA) could face disruption over the Christmas period as check-in and baggage handling staff employed by DHL, supporting easyJet operations, ballot for strike action over pay.
Around 200 workers are being balloted following a pay offer from DHL of 3.6 per cent from 1 October 2025 and a further 0.6 per cent from 1 January 2026. With current RPI inflation at 4.5 per cent, Unite has described the offer as a real terms pay cut.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “DHL and easyJet are both extremely profitable companies and can fully afford to put forward a fair pay offer. Our members employed by DHL at Luton airport will receive maximum support from Unite to achieve a reasonable pay deal.”
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DHL Group’s operating profits rose by 5.7 per cent to €1.4 billion in the second quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, easyJet expects profits of more than £700 million for the 12 months to September 2025.
Ballots are open until 4 December. Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge added: “Strike action can still be avoided but that will require an acceptable offer being tabled by DHL.”
Strike action could significantly affect easyJet’s check-in, baggage handling and passenger experience at Luton Airport during the busy holiday period.
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