EasyJet Luton flights face Christmas strike threat

A threat of Christmas disruption to easyJet flights at Luton airport has been raised as check-in and baggage handling staff ballot for strike action over pay.

Around 200 workers employed by DHL at the airport are being balloted over an “inadequate” pay offer of 3.6% from October 1 and a further 0.6% from  January 1.

This offer is a real terms pay cut as the current RPI inflation rate stands at 4.5%, the Unite union warned.

The Unite union members are balloting until December 4.  

Strike action would “severely impact” easyJet’s Luton operations, the union claimed.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “DHL and easyJet are both extremely profitable companies and can fully afford to put forward a fair pay offer. Our members employed by DHL at Luton airport will receive maximum support from Unite to achieve a reasonable pay deal.”

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge added: “Strike action can still be avoided but that will require an acceptable offer being tabled by DHL.”

An easyJet spokesperson said: “While there is currently no planned strike action by DHL staff at Luton airport, we urge DHL and Unite to reach an agreement as soon as possible to ensure there is no impact on passengers.”

A spokesperson for DHL Supply Chain said: “We are disappointed that Unite has announced its intention to ballot members at Luton airport over the pay offer. We remain open for meaningful talks and hope to reach a satisfactory outcome for both parties.”