Gatwick DHL strikes cancelled after Unite members accept improved pay offer

DHL workers at Gatwick Airport have cancelled their upcoming strike action completely, after accepting an improved pay offer. Nearly 600 DHL workers were due to take action from July 28 to August 1. That was initially suspended due to the re-ballot on the new offer, though has now been cancelled in its entirety after the deal was accepted.

The positive vote means DHL workers will receive a 15% pay rise, plus an uplift in skills pay resulting in an hourly rates increase of between 15% and 31%. A shift premium of £1.25 per hour between 12am and 4.59am further means workers’ hourly rates will increase by 23% and 43% during those times.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent result secured by the steadfast position of our DHL members. Once again, workers are gaining real material benefits from Unite’s absolute focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions.”

ASC and Menzies workers are currently being balloted on improved offers, and talks are also “progressing in a positive direction” with GGS (Gatwick Ground Services), said Unite.

Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell said: “Strikes by DHL workers have now been cancelled. ASC and Menzies workers are being balloted on new offers and talks are progressing with GGS. Unite will be making no further comment until the outcome of the ballots and negotiations are known later this week.”

GGS and Menzies workers have suspended strike action between July 28 and August 1, but will proceed with action between August 4 and August 8 unless agreements are reached.

ASC workers will strike over both periods if a deal is not agreed.