Airport staff have vowed to take strike action over pay disputes, potentially wreaking havoc on travel over the festive period.
Check-in and baggage handling staff could go on strike this month (Image: Getty)
Brits planning to travel abroad for Christmas could face major disruption as airport staff go on strike this month. DHL check-in and baggage handling staff working for easyJet at London Luton Airport have pledged to walk out for six days over the festive season in an ongoing pay dispute. Passengers with flights booked on dates throughout the latter half of December could see their plans delayed as a result, impacting popular routes to countries including Spain, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic.
The first round of strikes is scheduled between 3am on December 19 and 3am on December 22. The Unite Union estimates that the industrial action will affect 71 flights on December 19, 60 on December 20 and 74 on December 21. A similar number of journeys could descend into chaos between Boxing Day and December 29, with a total of 410 flights impacted. Around 200 union members are taking action after rejecting DHL’s offer of a 4.5% pay increase, which they say doesn’t go far enough to cover basic costs, including food and heating bills.
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The strike action could impact over 400 flights (Image: Getty)
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 own making.”
Unite contends that DHL workers at Gatwick Airport earn £3 an hour more for doing the same work.
One worker said: “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.”
Meanwhile, DHL Group’s operating profits increased by 5.7% to €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 and easyJet reportedly expects profits of over £700 million in the year to September.
Luton is one of the UK’s busiest airports and is anticipating a bumper travel season this Christmas, following record numbers of passenger numbers over the summer.
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said the disruption could still be avoided if DHL makes a “sensible offer” that adequately meets worker’s needs.
A spokesperson for easyJet told Sky: “We are disappointed to hear of the planned industrial action by Unite ground handlers employed by DHL at London Luton Airport on 19th to 21st and 26th to 28th December. Should this action go ahead, we will work closely with the airport and DHL to ensure that robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any disruption, so we are currently expecting to operate our full flying programme on these dates. In the meantime we urge DHL and Unite to reach an agreement as soon as possible.”
A DHL spokesperson added: “We are deeply disappointed that 57% of Unite members have voted in favour of industrial action at our London Luton Airport operation. Our current pay offer is above inflation and continues to build on four consecutive years of above-inflation pay increases.
“We remain committed to constructive talks to reach a solution that recognises the value of our colleagues while safeguarding the long-term competitiveness of the operation. However, robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any potential disruption should the action go ahead.”
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Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Airport staff have vowed to take strike action over pay disputes, potentially wreaking havoc on travel over the festive period.
Check-in and baggage handling staff could go on strike this month (Image: Getty)
Brits planning to travel abroad for Christmas could face major disruption as airport staff go on strike this month. DHL check-in and baggage handling staff working for easyJet at London Luton Airport have pledged to walk out for six days over the festive season in an ongoing pay dispute. Passengers with flights booked on dates throughout the latter half of December could see their plans delayed as a result, impacting popular routes to countries including Spain, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic.
The first round of strikes is scheduled between 3am on December 19 and 3am on December 22. The Unite Union estimates that the industrial action will affect 71 flights on December 19, 60 on December 20 and 74 on December 21. A similar number of journeys could descend into chaos between Boxing Day and December 29, with a total of 410 flights impacted. Around 200 union members are taking action after rejecting DHL’s offer of a 4.5% pay increase, which they say doesn’t go far enough to cover basic costs, including food and heating bills.
Travel news and expert holiday advice plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The strike action could impact over 400 flights (Image: Getty)
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 own making.”
Unite contends that DHL workers at Gatwick Airport earn £3 an hour more for doing the same work.
One worker said: “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.”
Meanwhile, DHL Group’s operating profits increased by 5.7% to €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 and easyJet reportedly expects profits of over £700 million in the year to September.
Luton is one of the UK’s busiest airports and is anticipating a bumper travel season this Christmas, following record numbers of passenger numbers over the summer.
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said the disruption could still be avoided if DHL makes a “sensible offer” that adequately meets worker’s needs.
A spokesperson for easyJet told Sky: “We are disappointed to hear of the planned industrial action by Unite ground handlers employed by DHL at London Luton Airport on 19th to 21st and 26th to 28th December. Should this action go ahead, we will work closely with the airport and DHL to ensure that robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any disruption, so we are currently expecting to operate our full flying programme on these dates. In the meantime we urge DHL and Unite to reach an agreement as soon as possible.”
A DHL spokesperson added: “We are deeply disappointed that 57% of Unite members have voted in favour of industrial action at our London Luton Airport operation. Our current pay offer is above inflation and continues to build on four consecutive years of above-inflation pay increases.
“We remain committed to constructive talks to reach a solution that recognises the value of our colleagues while safeguarding the long-term competitiveness of the operation. However, robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any potential disruption should the action go ahead.”
">
Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Airport staff have vowed to take strike action over pay disputes, potentially wreaking havoc on travel over the festive period.
Check-in and baggage handling staff could go on strike this month (Image: Getty)
Brits planning to travel abroad for Christmas could face major disruption as airport staff go on strike this month. DHL check-in and baggage handling staff working for easyJet at London Luton Airport have pledged to walk out for six days over the festive season in an ongoing pay dispute. Passengers with flights booked on dates throughout the latter half of December could see their plans delayed as a result, impacting popular routes to countries including Spain, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic.
The first round of strikes is scheduled between 3am on December 19 and 3am on December 22. The Unite Union estimates that the industrial action will affect 71 flights on December 19, 60 on December 20 and 74 on December 21. A similar number of journeys could descend into chaos between Boxing Day and December 29, with a total of 410 flights impacted. Around 200 union members are taking action after rejecting DHL’s offer of a 4.5% pay increase, which they say doesn’t go far enough to cover basic costs, including food and heating bills.
Travel news and expert holiday advice plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The strike action could impact over 400 flights (Image: Getty)
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 own making.”
Unite contends that DHL workers at Gatwick Airport earn £3 an hour more for doing the same work.
One worker said: “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.”
Meanwhile, DHL Group’s operating profits increased by 5.7% to €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 and easyJet reportedly expects profits of over £700 million in the year to September.
Luton is one of the UK’s busiest airports and is anticipating a bumper travel season this Christmas, following record numbers of passenger numbers over the summer.
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said the disruption could still be avoided if DHL makes a “sensible offer” that adequately meets worker’s needs.
A spokesperson for easyJet told Sky: “We are disappointed to hear of the planned industrial action by Unite ground handlers employed by DHL at London Luton Airport on 19th to 21st and 26th to 28th December. Should this action go ahead, we will work closely with the airport and DHL to ensure that robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any disruption, so we are currently expecting to operate our full flying programme on these dates. In the meantime we urge DHL and Unite to reach an agreement as soon as possible.”
A DHL spokesperson added: “We are deeply disappointed that 57% of Unite members have voted in favour of industrial action at our London Luton Airport operation. Our current pay offer is above inflation and continues to build on four consecutive years of above-inflation pay increases.
“We remain committed to constructive talks to reach a solution that recognises the value of our colleagues while safeguarding the long-term competitiveness of the operation. However, robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any potential disruption should the action go ahead.”
">
Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Airport staff have vowed to take strike action over pay disputes, potentially wreaking havoc on travel over the festive period.
Check-in and baggage handling staff could go on strike this month (Image: Getty)
Brits planning to travel abroad for Christmas could face major disruption as airport staff go on strike this month. DHL check-in and baggage handling staff working for easyJet at London Luton Airport have pledged to walk out for six days over the festive season in an ongoing pay dispute. Passengers with flights booked on dates throughout the latter half of December could see their plans delayed as a result, impacting popular routes to countries including Spain, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic.
The first round of strikes is scheduled between 3am on December 19 and 3am on December 22. The Unite Union estimates that the industrial action will affect 71 flights on December 19, 60 on December 20 and 74 on December 21. A similar number of journeys could descend into chaos between Boxing Day and December 29, with a total of 410 flights impacted. Around 200 union members are taking action after rejecting DHL’s offer of a 4.5% pay increase, which they say doesn’t go far enough to cover basic costs, including food and heating bills.
Travel news and expert holiday advice plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The strike action could impact over 400 flights (Image: Getty)
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 own making.”
Unite contends that DHL workers at Gatwick Airport earn £3 an hour more for doing the same work.
One worker said: “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.”
Meanwhile, DHL Group’s operating profits increased by 5.7% to €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 and easyJet reportedly expects profits of over £700 million in the year to September.
Luton is one of the UK’s busiest airports and is anticipating a bumper travel season this Christmas, following record numbers of passenger numbers over the summer.
Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said the disruption could still be avoided if DHL makes a “sensible offer” that adequately meets worker’s needs.
A spokesperson for easyJet told Sky: “We are disappointed to hear of the planned industrial action by Unite ground handlers employed by DHL at London Luton Airport on 19th to 21st and 26th to 28th December. Should this action go ahead, we will work closely with the airport and DHL to ensure that robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any disruption, so we are currently expecting to operate our full flying programme on these dates. In the meantime we urge DHL and Unite to reach an agreement as soon as possible.”
A DHL spokesperson added: “We are deeply disappointed that 57% of Unite members have voted in favour of industrial action at our London Luton Airport operation. Our current pay offer is above inflation and continues to build on four consecutive years of above-inflation pay increases.
“We remain committed to constructive talks to reach a solution that recognises the value of our colleagues while safeguarding the long-term competitiveness of the operation. However, robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any potential disruption should the action go ahead.”
