Bank Holiday Flights at risk with 24 hour strike
Passengers that travel from Gatwick and Stansted this bank holiday have been warned that they could face queues and delays to their flights as a 24 hour strike by baggage handlers at Swissport was announced. Swissport provides baggage handlers and check-in staff at Gatwick for 16 carriers including First Choice, Monarch, Thomsonfly and Virgin Atlantic and at Stansted 12 airlines including Ryanair, Easyjet, Thomsonfly and First Choice.
The first 24 hour strike will start on Monday, and a second has already been planned for the following Friday. Ballots are being taken at Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle airports. This strike follows the rejection by the trade union Unite of a 3% award by Swissport. The worst effects will be at Stansted, and could be far worse if 30 luggage screeners were to walk out in another pay dispute.
Ryanair have already said that if action does happen, then they will only accept carry on luggage. It will cause chaos in both airports where many families are taking a last minute holiday before the school holidays finish. Those passengers that are currently travelling on affected airlines are advised to check with their airline before leaving for the airport.