Ryanair and WizzAir passengers have been sent a warning as their summer holidays may be ruined as Gatwick workers plan to strike.
Chaos could erupt at London’s busy airport as strike action has been threatened by workers at the airport in August.
Those employed by Menzies on the Shell Contract at London Gatwick are threatening strike action over pay.
This will impact several airlines, including budget favourites Ryanair and WizzAir.
Should the strike action go ahead it will impact around 8,000 passengers per day at the world’s busiest single runway airport.
Unite the Union state that the workers are demanding a 4.5% pay rise, in addition to bringing their overtime rate to be at parity with other Menzies workers at Gatwick.
A 3.5% offer was made from Menzies but this was rejected.
It is reported that workers on the Shell contract only receive time and a third for overtime, whereas other Menzies workers get time and a half.
Workers have allegedly become frustrated as Menzies continually puts forward the same offer, without making any changes.
The current ballot for strike action is set to close on Tuesday, August 11 with action due to start shortly after if it proceeds.
This would therefore cause a huge impact on the summer travel season.
Unite regional officer Ben Davis said: “Gatwick passengers will not be pleased that their summer getaways could be ruined because Menzies’ greed has resulted in their planes sitting on the tarmac.
“Strikes can still be avoided but Menzies needs to stop trying to strongarm our members and return with a decent offer.”
Gatwick has ackowledged the strike action and said they hope that both parties can find a solution to avoid any disruption.
