EasyJet passengers flying from London Luton Airport face major festive disruption after DHL check-in and baggage handling staff voted to strike for six days in a row over pay.
Around 200 workers employed by DHL but outsourced to easyJet will walk out in the days before Christmas and again from Boxing Day, affecting popular routes to Spain, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic.
The Unite members rejected DHL’s latest offer of a 4.5 per cent pay rise, arguing it fails to address low pay and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Staff say soaring food, fuel and heating bills have left many struggling, while DHL workers at Gatwick earn around £3 more per hour for the same roles.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “DHL and easyJet can comfortably afford to offer these workers an above-inflation pay rise. It is shameful that hardworking members can't afford the basics and they are paid less than their counterparts.
“These companies must stop putting profits over people and come back to the table with a fair pay offer to avoid this disruptive strike, which is entirely of their making.”
DHL Group reported a 5.7 per cent rise in operating profits to €1.4bn in the second quarter of 2025. EasyJet, meanwhile, expects profits of more than £700m for the 12 months to September 2025.
One worker described the impact of low pay, saying: “I was in debt from a previous low paid job, but this hasn’t ended as my pay isn’t enough. I have the same routine of dedicating myself to a job where I can only cover rent and food.
“I can’t afford to save to give a better life to my child or spend enough time with my child.”
The walkouts will take place from 03:00 on Friday 19 December to 03:00 Monday 22 December, and again from 03:00 on Boxing Day until 03:00 Monday 29 December.
The Civil Aviation Authority expects this Christmas to be the busiest in UK aviation history. Luton — a major easyJet hub — carried 16.2 million passengers in 2023, including 1.2 million in December alone.
Any strike action is expected to severely impact easyJet’s Luton operations, leading to delays and some cancellations. Over the six strike days, an estimated 410 flights will be affected.
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: “We know passengers set to fly easyJet from Luton on these dates will be concerned, but the dispute is entirely the fault of DHL who can well afford to pay these workers a wage they can live on but are choosing not to.
“Strike action could still be avoided, but that now hinges on DHL returning to negotiations with an offer that is acceptable to our members.”
