Gatwick airport baggage screeners will strike over pay in late August, including over the bank holiday, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

The workers, employed by ICTS, are amongst the lowest paid workers at the airport earning just above the minimum wage.

ICTS’s turnover has grown by 110 per cent since 2020, reaching £170.59 million in 2024. It made a profit before tax of £6.1 million in 2024, a 46.9 per cent increase compared to the year before.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “ICTS has more than enough money to offer these workers a fair pay rise. Not doing so is just corporate greed. ICTS’ Gatwick workers will receive Unite’s complete backing for as long as it takes during their strikes for fair pay.”

The workers will strike from 22 August to 26 August and from 29 August to 2 September. All flights out of Gatwick will face disruption during these times. Industrial action will intensify if the dispute is not resolved.

Unite regional officer Ben Davis said: “ICTS is entirely responsible for the disruption that will be caused to Gatwick passengers during the strike action. It can well afford to put forward an acceptable pay offer and that is what needs to happen.

“Despite performing a critical role, these workers are amongst the lowest paid at the airport. Gatwick should be stepping in and pressuring ICTS to put an improved offer forward.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.
 
Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.