In travel news for July 18, 2023 we have a Strike update for Gatwick airport in England.
Travelers can breathe a sigh of relief as Strike threats by ground handlers at Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom, have been momentarily averted due to an augmented pay Proposal. The said handlers, belonging to the DHL network, were set to protest against their current pay conditions, but the announcement of an upgraded offer has put those plans on hold. The number of DHL personnel involved in this decision nears a staggering count of 600.
These workers, associated with the operations of EasyJet at Gatwick, are now in the phase of voting on the latest pay offer. If accepted, the scheduled Strike from July 28 to August 1 will be called off. This turn of events creates a temporary atmosphere of calm for travelers who had been fretting over the potential impact on their plans.
However, all is not quiet on the labor front. Around 450 employees of other companies including ASC, Menzies Aviation, and GGS are still set to Strike during the same period, and then again from August 4 to August 8. These impending strikes could potentially disrupt flights and affect passengers' travel arrangements.
Should the DHL personnel reject the improved offer, further Strike dates will be announced. The prospect of a fresh wave of strikes adds a layer of uncertainty for those planning to travel through Gatwick in the near future.
A regional representative from the Unite Union commented that DHL members at Gatwick have agreed to suspend their strikes while the new offer is under consideration. This gesture, seen as a token of goodwill, adds a glimmer of hope for travelers. However, the situation remains tense as strikes by ASC, Menzies, and GGS employees are still on the cards.
The union calls on the remaining employers to return to the negotiation table, to offer a deal that their members would accept.
This on-going situation serves as a reminder to travelers to stay abreast with the latest news, especially when it concerns potential travel disruptions. It is always wise to have contingency plans in place when traveling, as the landscape can shift dramatically due to unforeseen strikes, weather conditions, or other circumstances.
