News

Luton airport cleaners threaten strike action in pay row

Cleaners working at Luton airport are threatening a walkout this month in a row over low pay.

More than 30 workers are members of the Unite union and are employed by facilities firm Sasse on an outsourced contract.

They have announced two initial 24-hour strikes from 6,30am on August 11, with the second strike on August 30.

The action will result in toilets not being cleaned, toilet rolls not being replaced, bins being not emptied, communal areas across the airport not being cleaned and “general uncleanliness” throughout the airport, the union warned.

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: “Toilets will not be cleaned, toilet paper will not be replaced, bins will be overflowing and the airport will be dirty.

“While passengers may be alarmed and angry, this dispute is entirely due to the refusal of Sasse to make our members a fair pay offer.”

The workers, who are paid £10.90 an hour, have rejected a pay increase of 5% for day workers and 7% for night workers. 

A Luton airport spokesperson said: “Whilst we cannot comment on the dispute between Unite and Sasse, contingencies are in place to ensure there is no impact for passengers.”

 More: Luton airport targeted for summer strike action

Weekend strike at Gatwick called off

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.