London Luton Airport workers announce two days of summer strikes in pay dispute

Holidaymakers could face disruption accessing Luton Airport this summer as staff have announced two days of strike action in a dispute over pay.

Workers employed by APCOA Parking UK will walk out on Friday July 28 and Tuesday August 1 2023.

Unite the Union says the strike action will cause delays for passengers and staff who use the car parks and terminal at Luton Airport.

The workers taking action include valet parking workers and bus drivers transporting passengers and staff from car parks to the airport terminal.

Unite is calling on APCOA Parking UK to enter into pay negotiations after rejecting a “below inflation” 6% pay deal, which the union describes as a “real terms pay cut.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Workers at Luton Airport won’t accept a pay cut dressed up as a pay rise. At a time when prices are going through the roof APCOA need to negotiate with Unite rather than imposing a real terms pay cut. The workers have Unite’s solid support.”

Around a thousand baggage handlers, ground workers and check in staff at Gatwick Airport are also set to strike for eight days this summer as part of a dispute over pay.

Unite members employed by ASC, Menzies Aviation and GGS will strike initially for four days beginning on Friday July 28 ending on Tuesday August 1. Then a further four days from Friday August 4 until Tuesday August 8. The airlines affected include: British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair, TUI, Westjet and Wizz.

Planned strike action by Unite members at DHL Services Ltd was yesterday suspended following a fresh pay offer.

A spokesperson for APCOA Parking UK said: “APCOA are due to meet Unite next week when we hope to resolve this matter satisfactorily for all parties involved.”

Sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates, and follow LondonWorld on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.