Unite claims workers at Gatwick Airport are heading towards industrial action after they had a majority vote to reject a three-year pay offer which involved a pay increase of 2% plus £250 for the first two years.
The offer was conditional on the introduction of a new starter rate, which, would result in new recruits being paid up to £7,000 a year less than existing workers doing the same job, said Unite, as they reported that over 2,000 members, including security staff, firefighters, terminal operatives, surface transport workers and engineers, voted by 98% to reject the offer on a turnout at almost 80%
The ext step for union is to seek an urgent meeting with Gatwick Airport Ltd in attempt to come to a better pay offer being brought to the table.
“If this is not forthcoming then Unite will begin preparations for a full industrial action ballot,” it said on warning of strikes which could begin around spring time.
“Members are particularly angry at the proposed pay offer, which is below the retail price index inflation rate, as Gatwick’s shareholders recently received a £600 million windfall and the airport recorded a profit of £60 million last year.
“Gatwick’s chief executive Stewart Wingate is paid in the region of £3,000 a day,” Unite said in a statement.
Regional officer Jamie Major added: “It is now incumbent on Gatwick Airport to come back with a dramatically improved pay offer which meets the workers’ pay claim.
“The airport is fantastically profitable as a result of the hard work of our members and they believe they should be properly rewarded for their hard work and loyalty.
“To even be suggesting the introduction of new starter rates, far below what workers already receive, demonstrates that the airport’s management is putting profits before people.
“Unite’s members have no desire to cause disruption to the travelling public but they will not allow their pay to be cut in real terms.”
