Warning of ‘substantial disruption’ at Stansted as Unite members plot strike 

Unite is warning of “substantial flight disruption” from Stansted Airport in April as members of the union who work there are balloting for strikes.

Workers for facility management provider ABM, who assist passengers with disabilities, are voting for industrial action over pay after negotiations broke down.

The ballot closes on April 1 and action could go ahead from mid-April, said Unite, with the union forecasting “substantial flight disruption” if they do as additional time will be needed to board passengers who rely on this service.

The 100-plus workers have rejected pay offers from ABM which members believe “do not reflect the skilled job they do” amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Unite said many of the workers are paid below the London Living Wage of £14.80.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members are constantly expected to undertake more and more work, yet ABM is cynically failing to pay a fair wage.

“Our hardworking members at ABM deserve better and will have Unite’s full support during this dispute.”

Stansted said it is not anticipating any disruption to flights.

Travel Weekly has approached ABM for comment.