Gatwick baggage screeners to strike in late August

Baggage screeners at Gatwick are set to strike in late August, including over the bank holiday weekend.

The workers, employed by ICTS, are taking action from August 22-26 and from August 29 to September 2 as they seek a “fair” pay rise, trade union Unite said.

Unite regional officer Ben Davis said: “ICTS is entirely responsible for the disruption that will be caused to Gatwick passengers during the strike action. It can well afford to put forward an acceptable pay offer and that is what needs to happen.”

The union claimed all flights out of Gatwick would be affected by the action, but an airport spokesperson said “normal” operations were expected.

The spokesperson said: “We are working with our suppliers to avoid any impacts and we expect to operate a normal summer holiday flight schedule for our airlines and passengers on these dates. Of course, we hope ICTS and their union can reach a resolution before then.”

Unite said the baggage screening staff are among the lowest paid at the airport, earning just over the minimum wage.

Sharon Graham, the union’s general secretary, said: “ICTS has more than enough money to offer these workers a fair pay rise. Not doing so is just corporate greed.

“ICTS’ Gatwick workers will receive Unite’s complete backing for as long as it takes during their strikes for fair pay.”

The union said industrial action would intensify if required.

The August bank holiday for England, Wales and Northern Ireland falls on Monday, August 25.

ICTS has been contacted for comment.