Gatwick Airport News has reported that Red Handling staff strikes at London Gatwick Airport have been suspended after the company agreed to clear outstanding pension payments by May 10, 2025, according to the Sun.
Disruption Caused by Strike Action
The industrial action which started on April 18 and was supposed to run up to April 22. This affected more than 100 ground handling staff such as baggage handlers, check-in staff and flight dispatchers. The industrial action resulted in major disruption with an estimated 50 flights per day. This is said to be impacted for airlines such as Norwegian, Delta, TAP Air Portugal and Air Peace, as reported by The Standard.
Reasons Behind the Strike
The strike was led by the Unite union following some significant issues. These, as reported by The Sun, were unpaid pensions, delayed pay and non-compliant shift patterns. Employees had complained that while pension deductions were being made from their pay, these amounts were not being paid into their pensions. Some of the workers also complained of delayed wages of up to two weeks and a total absence of pension scheme establishment. There were also allegations of insufficient rest between shifts with some workers not being given the legally required 11-hour break.
Red Handling’s Response
As a response to the action, Red Handling accepted the payroll irregularities, blaming non-traditional bank holidays and complex pension schemes, as reported by The Sun. The company committed to clearing all arrears in payments and pension contributions by May 10.
Strike Suspended — For Now
Due to this commitment, the strike has been put on hold by Unite to give Red Handling time to honor its undertaking. Nevertheless, the union made it clear that if the problem is not settled after the set deadline further industrial action can be recalled.
In another news, Gatwick Airport explained that it welcomed the possibility plans made by disrupted airlines. They asked passengers to refer to their airlines directly for details, as published by The Sun.
The situation remains closely monitored as the May 10 deadline approaches.
