Passengers flying to and from London Luton Airport during the holiday season are facing potential travel disruptions due to an upcoming strike by workers. The Unite union, leading the strike, has warned that the planned six-day walkout could significantly impact easyJet’s operations at Luton, causing flight delays and cancellations. Approximately 410 easyJet flights are expected to be affected over the course of the strikes, which are scheduled around the Christmas period.
The strike involves easyJet’s check-in and baggage handling staff employed by DHL, who have voted to strike over pay disputes. The workers, outsourced to easyJet by DHL, play crucial roles on popular routes to various destinations. The industrial action is set to take place over six days, starting on December 19 and concluding on December 28.
Around 200 workers affiliated with Unite have decided to strike after rejecting a proposed 4.5% pay increase from the company. They argue that the offer does not adequately address the issue of low wages in light of the current cost of living challenges. Unite points out that DHL workers at Gatwick earn significantly more for similar work.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, criticized DHL and easyJet for not offering a fair pay rise to their workers, emphasizing the companies’ ability to afford better compensation. The strike dates at Luton are set from December 19 to December 22 and from Boxing Day to December 28.
Despite the strike, the Civil Aviation Authority anticipates a busy Christmas travel season in the UK, with Luton Airport being a key hub for easyJet. The airport saw over 16.2 million passengers in 2023, including 1.2 million in December alone.
Unite’s regional officer, Jeff Hodge, stressed that the dispute is solely due to DHL’s reluctance to provide adequate wages to its workers. DHL responded, expressing disappointment over the strike mandate and highlighting their above-inflation pay offer and commitment to negotiations.
EasyJet expressed disappointment over the industrial action and assured passengers that they are working on contingency plans to minimize disruptions to their flight schedule. The airline encouraged DHL and Unite to reach a resolution promptly to avoid any significant impact on travelers.