Unite announces further strike action at Gatwick Airport
Fresh walk outs are due to place from Friday 18th August
Unite has announced fresh strikes by more than 230 ground handlers and passenger assistance workers at Gatwick Airport.
The union says the action will cause severe disruption when it takes place later this month as part of a row over pay.
Unite members working for ground handling company Red Handling will walk out for four days from August 18, and a further four days from August 25, which includes the August bank holiday weekend.
Members of the union employed by Wilson James, which operates Gatwick's passenger assistance contract, will walk out for three days from August 18, and a further three days from August 22.
Unite recently called off a series of strikes by its members at the airport after reaching agreements on pay disputes.
The union claims Red Handling and Wilson James have "failed to make offers that meet the workers' expectations".
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
"Red Handling and Wilson James need to wake up and smell the coffee.
"Other employers at the airport are prepared to pay the going rate and there is no excuse why they shouldn't do the same.
"There is no way our members will accept a real-terms pay cut and poverty pay.
"Unite's complete focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of its members will mean that our members at Gatwick will receive the union's unflinching support."
A Gatwick spokesperson said:
"We are aware of the recent ballot results and encourage staff at Wilson James, Red Handling and their union to reach a resolution.
"We will support Wilson James, who hold the contract for providing assistance to passengers, in their contingency planning.
"We will also support the airlines affected - who hold the contracts with Red Handling - with their contingency plans to ensure that as many flights as possible operate as scheduled."