Unite members employed by ICTS at Gatwick Airport have secured a 16 per cent pay increase and other benefits.

 

Security roles

 

The workers are responsible for undertaking security services at the airport, including baggage screening and aircraft guarding.

 

The workers were preparing to ballot for industrial action but following further negotiations the employer made an improved offer, which was balloted on and accepted by the workers.

 

16 per cent and other benefits

 

The deal will benefit 120 workers at the airport. In addition the workers will receive an unsocial hours enhancement for hours worked between 23:00 and 06:00. ICTS has also agreed to curtail zero hours contract, with workers being offered a variety of permanent contracts.

 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a tremendous result which has been secured by our members who were fully prepared to take industrial action to secure a fair pay deal.

 

“Unite is entirely focussed on the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and this deal demonstrates what can be achieved at Gatwick. The union will be looking to replicate this deal across the airport.”

 

Benchmark deal

 

Unite will be using the ICTS agreement as a benchmark for all other pay deals at the airport.

 

Negotiated deal 

 

Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell said: “This pay deal serves as an important example to other employers at Gatwick airport in terms of what is both necessary and reasonable. ICTS management narrowly avoided industrial action by coming to the negotiating table and committing to a pay deal that was acceptable to members.

 

“Unite calls on all employers at the airport to take note of this approach and do the right thing by their staff.”

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

 

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

 

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

 

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion Web: unitetheunion.org

 

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.