Refuelling workers at Gatwick Airport are being balloted for strike action after rejecting Menzies’ latest pay offer during negotiations.
Refuelling tanker drivers and operators employed by Menzies on the Shell contract at London Gatwick Airport (LGW) are being balloted for strike action following a dispute over pay and overtime arrangements.
According to Unite, the workers have rejected a 3.5% pay offer from Menzies and are instead seeking a 4.5% increase. They are also calling for overtime rates to match those received by other Menzies employees at Gatwick Airport, with refuelling staff currently receiving time and one-third compared with time and a half for other workers.
The employees are responsible for refuelling aircraft operated by airlines including Wizz Air, Ryanair, Air China, China Southern, Turkish Airlines, Air Baltic, SkyAlps, Air Peace and Malta Air. Unite said these services carry between 7,000 and 8,000 passengers through Gatwick each day.
Strike could affect summer operations
The union said industrial relations have deteriorated after Menzies repeatedly presented the same pay offer during negotiations. The ballot closes on 11 August, with any industrial action expected to begin shortly afterwards if workers vote in favour.
Unite warned that strike action could disrupt flights during the busy summer travel period but said an agreement remains possible if negotiations resume with an improved pay offer.
No comments yet