London City Airport faces major disruption as staff threaten first ever strike

A union has threatened potential strike action for baggage handlers at London City Airport in a row over pay.

Some 120 workers baggage handlers at the major airport, who are members of the GMB union, are demanding a 17 per cent pay rise to bring them into line with colleagues doing the same work at Gatwick.

GMB said it would be the first major stoppage in the airport’s 37-year history if talks fail and industrial action goes ahead.

Organiser Daren Parmenter said: “120 ground employees at City Airport, are entrusted to safeguard the safety and security of passengers and hundreds of flights weekly.

“These workers find it unacceptable that colleagues employed by GGS at Gatwick in Sussex enjoy much better pay, terms and conditions.

“Some of our members at City Airport have been paid less than the London Living Wage of £13.15 per hour, they must incur the extra costs of living and working in the capital, it’s almost impossible for them.

“It’s been 16 months since their last increase and patience is running thin, the employer isn’t taking our members seriously. Kicking the can will only end up with action that will affect BA’s flights."

It comes after union members voted to reject a pay offer by GGS last month.

But in a statement, a GGS spokesperson said: “Gatwick Ground Services remains fully committed to talks with the union and working to reach an agreement together.”

British Airways, the owner of GGS, is the largest airline operating at London City.