A strike by 100 Red Handling staff at London Gatwick Airport has been suspended by one week, following negotiations between trade union Unite and the company.
Red Handling workers, including baggage handlers, check-in staff and flight dispatchers, were set to walk out for four consecutive Sundays, from 11 May.
Strike action on the first day has now been called off following negotiations between the trade union and the company.
The remaining days of strike action, on 18, 25 May and 1 June are still due to go ahead pending the outcome of any further negotiations.
Unite Regional Officer David Taylor said: “Unite has been in discussions with Red Handling and as a goodwill gesture and to allow them an opportunity to solve the problems with pensions we have suspended strike action on Sunday. We are calling on Red Handling to stick to their promise to avoid any further industrial action.”
Plane refuellers from Redline Oil Services, who work for airlines including easyJet, are also walking out at Gatwick in a separate dispute over pay.
Redline workers are set to walk out in two sets of four-day strikes. Action will start on 16 May, lasting until 20 May 2025. Staff will walk out again on 23 May, at the start of the half-term holiday, until 27 May.
A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “We are aware of the proposed industrial action from Red Handling and Redline Oil, and are working closely with both parties, and our airlines, to minimise impacts to passengers. Of course, we hope Red Handling, Redline Oil and their unions can reach a resolution before then.”
