Gatwick Airport is preparing for significant disruption as nearly a thousand workers, including baggage handlers and ground staff, plan to undertake eight days of strike action over the summer holidays. The Unite union has announced the strike in response to an ongoing dispute regarding pay.

According to the union, the scale of the action will inevitably lead to disruptions, delays, and cancellations affecting various airlines operating at Gatwick Airport. The workers employed by four different firms will participate in the strikes, impacting the operations of airlines such as British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Tui, Westjet, and Wizz.

The strike action is scheduled to occur over two weekends, spanning the end of July and the beginning of August. The first wave of strikes will take place between Friday, July 28, and Tuesday, August 1, followed by another round of strikes between Friday, August 4, and Tuesday, August 8.

Unite Union has emphasised the significance of the industrial action, highlighting the potential impact on travellers during the peak summer holiday period. Disruptions to baggage handling and ground services are expected to cause inconvenience and potential travel disruptions for passengers.

The union’s decision to proceed with the strikes comes as a result of the ongoing pay dispute between the workers and their employers. While the exact details of the dispute have not been disclosed, the issue of fair remuneration appears to be at the core of the disagreement.

Gatwick Airport and the airlines affected are now faced with the challenge of managing the anticipated disruptions and minimising the impact on passengers’ travel plans. Passengers scheduled to fly from or to Gatwick Airport during the specified strike periods are advised to stay updated with the latest information from their respective airlines and be prepared for potential changes to their itineraries.