Unite union members working for Dnata at Gatwick Airport have suspended their planned strike action over pay, initially set to take place from April 26 to 29. The decision was made after Dnata presented an improved pay offer to the union. Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell stated that the suspension would allow for a ballot of members on the new offer. The strike, if implemented, would have primarily affected easyJet flights, though the airline had contingency plans in place. The industrial action stemmed from Dnata’s unilateral removal of a shift allowance for all staff in April 2021, leading to pay cuts of between £1,500 and £2,000 per worker. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham accused Dnata of double-dealing and dishonesty in implementing the change. easyJet, Dnata, and Gatwick Airport have been contacted for comment. Unite had previously expressed concerns about the potential disruption to food and drink services on flights departing from Gatwick during the strike. Dnata caters for all easyJet flights from Gatwick, which operates around 200 flights daily during peak periods. The suspension of the strike allows for a resolution to be reached through the ballot process, mitigating the potential impact on Gatwick Airport operations and ensuring the continuation of essential catering services for passengers.
Gatwick Airline Catering Strikes Suspended as Workers Vote on New Pay Deal
