According to recent reports, thousands of travelers in the United Kingdom are facing potential disruptions to their travel plans as approximately 950 airport workers at Gatwick Airport in England prepare to strike over pay issues. Unite, the union representing the workers, has announced that employees from four different firms will participate in an eight-day strike, coinciding with what is expected to be the busiest summer period since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The strike is scheduled to commence on Friday, July 28th, with the first phase lasting until Tuesday, August 1st. Following a brief respite, the workers will resume their strike from Friday, August 4th, to Tuesday, August 8th. The impact of the strike is anticipated to affect several airlines, including British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Tui, Westjet, and Wizz. These workers, employed by ASC, Menzies Aviation, GGS, and DHL Services, provide essential services such as baggage handling, ground handling, and check-in operations for the aforementioned airlines.

Unite has warned that disruptions, delays, and cancellations are likely to occur, describing them as "inevitable" unless a resolution is reached. At present, the strike is planned but can still be averted.

According to BBC reports, if the strike proceeds, it will compound the challenges faced by the aviation industry, which is already contending with potential air traffic control strikes and restricted airspace over Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict there.

The union has been advocating for a pay raise for its members for several months. In June, Unite had previously called off a strike by security staff at Heathrow Airport, the busiest airport in Britain, after securing a new agreement. Unite highlights that despite performing demanding and safety-critical roles, many workers receive wages below £12 ($15.74) per hour.

Furthermore, during the pandemic, numerous companies operating at Gatwick Airport implemented significant layoffs and reduced the pay and conditions of their remaining staff.

This issue of pay disputes among airport staff is not unique to Gatwick. Starting from July 18th, around 100 security personnel and technicians at Birmingham Airport are also planning to go on strike.

Meanwhile, in Italy, an air traffic control strike is scheduled to commence on July 15th, which Ryanair Airlines predicts will result in flight cancellations and disruptions, as reported by BBC.

Image source: The Guardians