There is set to be major disruption at Gatwick, the UK’s second busiest airport, this Easter weekend as more than a hundred operations workers prepare to strike over a series of unresolved issues — most notably, unpaid pensions.
The affected workers are employed by Red Handling, a ground handling company that provides services including baggage handling, check-in and flight dispatch for several airlines such as Norwegian, Delta, TAP, and Air Peace.
Handling around 50 flights daily, the strike is expected to cause serious disruption for holidaymakers with anticipated delays, cancellations, long check-in queues, and issues with baggage delivery.
The strike stems from ongoing problems with the company’s pension scheme. Workers have reported missing contributions, incorrect amounts, and in some cases, a complete failure to set up pensions. Pay issues have compounded the situation, with wages being paid late on multiple occasions — in some instances by up to two weeks. Calls for compensation for the late payments have reportedly been ignored.
In addition to financial concerns, staff are also protesting against the imposition of new shift patterns without consultation. Workers claim they are being denied the legally required 11-hour rest between shifts, as well as regular lunch and afternoon breaks. This raises serious safety concerns, particularly for flight dispatchers whose roles are critical to flight safety assessments.
Union representatives have called the treatment of staff unacceptable and are demanding immediate payment of all outstanding pension contributions, compensation for any losses, and a formal commitment to timely wage payments going forward. They have also urged the company to address the pressing health and safety risks linked to inadequate rest periods.
With Gatwick expected to see its highest passenger numbers so far this year over Easter, the strike — set to begin on Good Friday, 18 April and continue through to the early hours of Tuesday 22 April — is likely to cause significant disruption.
