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Airports

Gatwick Airport Baggage Screeners to Strike over Pay Dispute

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Baggage screeners employed by ICTS at Gatwick airport will go on strike over pay, disrupting flights during the bank holiday, with severe delays expected. The strike, led by the union Unite, will take place from August 22 to 26 and from August 29 to September 2, affecting all flights out of the airport. The workers are seeking a fair pay rise, with ICTS being the primary cause of the disruption.

Key Takeaways:

  • The strike by ICTS baggage screeners at Gatwick airport will result in severe delays for passengers during the bank holiday.
  • The workers, employed by ICTS, are seeking a fair pay rise, with the union Unite providing their complete backing throughout the strikes.
  • ICTS has experienced significant growth in turnover, with a 110% increase since 2020, reaching £170.59 million in 2024, and a profit before tax of £6.1 million in 2024.
  • The strike is expected to intensify if the dispute is not resolved, with Unite calling on ICTS to offer a fair pay rise.
  • The workers, despite being critical to the airport's operations, are among the lowest-paid staff members.
  • The union has urged Gatwick airport to step in and pressure ICTS to put forward an improved pay offer.

Statistics:

  • The strike will take place from August 22 to 26 and from August 29 to September 2.
  • The turnover of ICTS has grown by 110% since 2020.
  • ICTS's turnover reached £170.59 million in 2024.
  • The profit before tax of ICTS in 2024 was £6.1 million, a 46.9% increase compared to the previous year.
  • The workers will receive full backing from the union Unite throughout their strikes.

Sources:

  • Unite - a trade union specializing in workers' rights and disputes.
  • ICTS - a private security firm providing services to airports and other transportation hubs.
  • Gatwick Airport - a major international airport in the United Kingdom.

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