Strike action at London Stansted Airport confirmed for May bank holiday as ABM workers reject improved pay offer raising concerns over disruption and passenger assistance services

[Updated 23/04/2026]

London Stansted Airport (STN) is set to face disruption next month after passenger assistance workers employed by ABM voted to resume strike action following the rejection of a revised pay offer.

More than 100 workers, represented by Unite the Union, will walk out between 3 May and 6 May, coinciding with the May bank holiday weekend. The workers provide essential support for passengers with reduced mobility, assisting them through the airport and on and off aircraft.

Stansted Airport strike ABM workers dispute escalates over pay

The latest development follows an earlier suspension of planned strikes in April, which had been paused to allow staff to vote on an improved offer following negotiations involving the conciliation service Acas.

However, Unite confirmed that the revised proposal was rejected by members, with workers citing ongoing concerns over low pay and increased workloads.

According to the union, many employees are paid below the London Living Wage, despite the critical nature of their roles and rising passenger volumes at the airport.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “ABM staff do a vital job for passengers at the airport, yet they are struggling with low pay while their employer makes huge profits.”

The dispute also reflects wider pressures on airport operations, with staff reporting increased responsibilities as passenger numbers continue to grow. In January alone, nearly 1.9 million passengers travelled through Stansted Airport.

The planned industrial action is expected to impact passenger assistance services, potentially leading to delays in boarding and reduced service levels for travellers requiring additional support.

Unite has indicated that further action could follow if an agreement is not reached, with calls for ABM to present an improved offer that reflects both pay expectations and workload demands.

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