Holidaymakers flying out of London Gatwick Airport are facing double disruption in the coming weeks as ground staff from two companies announce a fresh round of strikes.
It comes just weeks after baggage handlers, check-in staff and flight dispatchers walked out over the Easter holidays over pay and working conditions.
Refuellers from Redline Oil Services Ltd, who deliver fuel for aircraft for airlines including EasyJet, are set to join the picket line this month.
The workers, who are represented by Unite, voted to strike after rejecting a 3.5 per cent wage increase offer over two years.
The first round of walkouts will commence on May 16, which Unite admits will lead to delays and cancellations during the summer half-term for schools.
Meanwhile, more than 100 Unite members who are employed by Red Handling will strike for four consecutive Sundays, starting on May 11.
The action is expected to disrupt nearly 50 flights a day. The airlines affected include Delta, TAP and Norwegian Airlines.
When are the Gatwick strikes?
Employees of Red Handling, a company that supplies flight dispatchers, baggage handlers and check-in staff to the airlines Norwegian, Delta, TAP and Air Peace, will go on strike at Gatwick on May 11, 18, 25 and June 2. Passengers travelling on these days could be affected.
Redline Oil members, who perform essential work ensuring aircraft have the necessary fuel for their flights, will be taking action on May 16 until May 20, and May 23 until May 27.
The industrial action follows multiple issues faced by Red Handling workers, including unpaid pensions, late payments and “illegal” shift patterns.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said “it is little surprise” the two sets of employees are taking action.
She said: "We will back our members at Red Handling and Redline all the way during these disputes."
Regional officer David Taylor added: "The way our workers have been treated by Red Handling since returning to work after the first wave of action is nothing short of a disgrace, with union busting rife at the company.
“Unite will not stand for it.
The way our workers have been treated is nothing short of a disgrace
"Our message throughout this has been simple: pay our members their pensions and there will be no more action, but all the workers get is false promises.
"We appreciate that delays and cancellations are very frustrating for those looking to travel, especially during the half term holidays but this is a dispute entirely of Red Handling and Redline's own making.
“We urge them both to come back to the table for negotiations."
Legal experts previously warned that travellers hit by the strikes will not be able to claim compensation if they miss part of their holiday.
A Gatwick Airport spokesman told The Standard: “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.”
What to do if your flight is affected
Get in touch with your airline right away if strike action causes your flight to be delayed or cancelled. When there are significant delays because of industrial action, airlines are required to provide assistance, such as food and drink or lodging.
Additionally, your airline must book you on the earliest flight that becomes available. Alternatively, you can cancel your flight and request a refund if the delay exceeds five hours.
If the strike is deemed to be something the airline could control, you may be eligible for compensation for flights that are completely cancelled. If this is the case, you will only be eligible for reimbursement if your airline notifies you that your flight has been cancelled less than 14 days before the scheduled departure date.
Verify that you are covered by your travel insurance in the event of a strike. However, be advised that you will not be able to get strike insurance once the industrial action has been declared, even if no specific dates are provided.
