Pensions dispute at Gatwick Airport resolved

More than 100 baggage handlers and check-in workers went on strike last month

Author: Isabella HudsonPublished 4th Jun 2025

Industrial action by staff at Gatwick Airport, including baggage handlers and check-in workers, has been called off after a dispute over pensions was resolved.

More than 100 members of Unite employed by Red Handling went on strike last month over issues with their pension payments.

Unite has since received proof of payment of pension contributions from Red Handling to pension provider Royal London, while Red Handling will hold individual workshops for every employee to look at their contributions to ensure accuracy. Unite say they will also fully support any member who has outstanding pension issues to ensure these are put right.

Red Handling has also agreed to cover the loss of interest on any contributions that were not paid and there will be an independent audit to ensure the situation does not happen again.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The way Red Handling was playing fast and loose with our members' pensions was completely unacceptable and we are glad they have come to their senses and paid up."

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