Planes could be grounded at Luton Airport over the Christmas period if a series of strikes by members of the Transport and General Workers’ Union goes ahead.
The airport’s management has suggested significant changes to its operations division, which include harmonising staff terms and conditions and contracting out its car parking and some coaching services.
Of the 660 staff employed at Luton, 500 work in operations. The TGWU claims that the changes could lead to pay cuts of between 30 and 50 per cent.
A TGWU ballot showed that 63 per cent of its members at Luton Airport voted in favour of strike action.
A spokesperson for Luton Airport said: “The business review is taking place in order to secure the long-term future of the airport. In no way will strike action help this aim.”
The airport and the union are in discussions.
By Karen Higginbottom
