GMB Union today (Wednesday) warns that London City Airport is facing the first major stoppage in its 37-year history following a 100 per cent rejection of the employer’s pay offer in July.
Workers are demanding that management at Gatwick Ground Services (GGS), must offer pay parity with counterparts working at Gatwick Airport who are paid at least 17 per cent more, and enjoy other fringe benefits that the City Airport workers are denied.
Management at GGS has delayed getting back to the negotiating table, giving rise to additional frustration and anger among GMB members working at the airport.
GMB Regional Organiser Daren Parmenter said:
“120 ground employees at City Airport, are entrusted to safeguard the safety and security of passengers and hundreds of flights weekly.
“These workers find it unacceptable that colleagues employed by GGS at Gatwick in Sussex enjoy much better pay, terms and conditions.
“Some of our members at City Airport have been paid less than the London Living Wage of £13.15 per hour, they must incur the extra costs of living and working in the capital, it’s almost impossible for them.
“It’s been 16 months since their last increase and patience is running thin, the employer isn’t taking our members seriously. Kicking the can will only end up with action that will affect BA’s flights.