Luton airport strike: Baggage handlers to walk out this weekend causing passenger delays
Travellers booked to fly in and out of Luton Airport over the weekend could find their journeys disrupted by a strike by baggage handlers.
Members of the Unite union working for Menzies Aviation have rejected a pay offer from management, by a 79:21 majority of those who voted.
They intend to take industrial action from 3am on Saturday until 2pm on Sunday, unless last-ditch talks to avert a walk-out are successful.
Unite’s regional officer, Jeff Hodge, said: “In order to resolve this dispute Menzies must recognise workers’ hard work and the rising cost of living.
“In April passenger numbers grew to 1.3 million people at Luton. That’s 15 months in a row of over a million passengers passing through the airport. Baggage handlers at Luton Airport deserve a decent rate of pay for their contribution to the business.”
Menzies handles easyJet, whose headquarters is at the Bedfordshire airport, and British Airways’ sister airline, Vueling.
A walkout would hit the key days for families flying away for the half-term holiday.
A spokesperson for the airport said: "We do not anticipate any significant impact, but there remains a chance of some minor disruption.
"Our advice to passengers is to check the status of your flight with your airline."
The Independent has approached easyJet and Menzies Aviation for comment.
Ryanair and Wizz Air, the other main airlines at Luton, use other ground handlers.
Other workers including firefighters, assistance staff and security guards employed by London Luton Airport had been due to strike over the weekend, but have postponed their planned industrial action while they consider an improved pay offer.
