Gatwick Airport Braces for Major Delays as Baggage Screeners Announce Strike Over Pay
Gatwick Airport, UK – A major UK airport is bracing for severe delays this month as key baggage screening staff are set to strike, threatening significant disruption for passengers. Gatwick Airport is expected to face considerable operational challenges later this month and into early September due to industrial action by International Consultants on Targeted Security (ICTS) staff.
Unite, the UK's leading union, announced today that ICTS employees responsible for screening hold luggage will undertake strike action from August 22 to August 26 and again from August 29 to September 2. The union warns that all flights departing from Gatwick Airport could face disruption over these dates, with the situation set to worsen if the pay dispute is not resolved.
The core of the dispute revolves around pay, with Unite highlighting that ICTS staff are among the lowest-paid workers at the airport, currently earning just above the minimum wage.
While the union indicates potential widespread disruption, the direct impact is primarily expected for passengers who need to check in their luggage, as ICTS staff are specifically responsible for screening bags destined for the aircraft's hold. Passengers travelling with only carry-on luggage may experience less direct impact but could still face knock-on delays.
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Unite, the UK's leading union, announced today that ICTS employees responsible for screening hold luggage will undertake strike action from August 22 to August 26 and again from August 29 to September 2. The union warns that all flights departing from Gatwick Airport could face disruption over these dates, with the situation set to worsen if the pay dispute is not resolved.
The core of the dispute revolves around pay, with Unite highlighting that ICTS staff are among the lowest-paid workers at the airport, currently earning just above the minimum wage.
While the union indicates potential widespread disruption, the direct impact is primarily expected for passengers who need to check in their luggage, as ICTS staff are specifically responsible for screening bags destined for the aircraft's hold. Passengers travelling with only carry-on luggage may experience less direct impact but could still face knock-on delays.
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The strike announcement comes at a time when Gatwick Airport has recently unveiled ambitious expansion plans, including a new Northern Runway. This expansion is projected to generate an additional £275 million annually and accommodate an extra 60,000 flights each year, including more long-haul routes.
Despite the economic potential, a final decision on the Northern Runway expansion, which the Secretary of State for Transport had initially looked to approve in February, has been delayed until October 27. If approved, the new runway is targeted to be operational by 2030.
Passengers planning to travel through Gatwick Airport during these periods are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and prepare for potential delays.
Despite the economic potential, a final decision on the Northern Runway expansion, which the Secretary of State for Transport had initially looked to approve in February, has been delayed until October 27. If approved, the new runway is targeted to be operational by 2030.
Passengers planning to travel through Gatwick Airport during these periods are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and prepare for potential delays.
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