The Unite union has confirmed the suspension of strike action by nearly 600 DHL workers at Gatwick airport.
Last week the union announced eight days of strike action by ASC, Menzies Aviation, GGS and DHL Services Ltd employees at the airport, in a dispute over pay.
Members had been set to strike for four days from Friday 28 July to Tuesday 1 August, and then again from Friday 4 August to Tuesday 8 August.
But the union said DHL staff – who are contracted to easyJet at Gatwick – will no longer walk out between 28 July and 1 August, following an improved pay offer.
Around 450 ASC, Menzies Aviation and GGS employees will however continue to take part in strike action over the above dates.
The companies are employed by carriers including British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, WestJet and Wizz Air, to outsource ground handling, baggage handling, ramp agent, dispatcher and check in agent roles.
DHL staff will be balloted on the new offer, and could still strike in the future should members reject the deal.
“As an act of good faith, Unite’s Gatwick DHL members have agreed to suspend their first set of strikes while they are balloted on the new offer,” said Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell.
“Strikes by ASC, Menzies and GGS workers are still scheduled to go ahead. Unite urges the remaining employers to return to the negotiating table and put forward an offer our members will accept.”
Meanwhile strike action by over 150 Birmingham airport security officers and terminal technicians has been suspended at the last minute following an improved pay offer.
The employees had been due to begin “all-out indefinite strike action” this week, but will not be balloted on the new deal.
Should this be rejected, Unite said that members would begin strike action on Tuesday 1 August.
Finally Unite has confirmed that workers employed by APCOA Parking UK at London Luton airport will take strike action later this month, following what the union referred to as “a 6 per cent pay deal which amounts to a real terms pay cut”.
Staff – who perform roles include valet parking and bus transportation between the airport’s car parks and terminals buildings – will walk out on 28 July and 1 August.
“Strike action will inevitably cause disruption to staff and passengers moving between the car park and the airport, said Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge.
“Unite reps are meeting APCOA next week, disruption could still be avoided if bosses offer workers a pay deal which helps them through the cost of living crisis.”
gatwickairport.com, birminghamairport.co.uk, london-luton.co.uk
