Gatwick refuelling tanker drivers and operators employed by Menzies on the Shell contract are being balloted for strike action over pay, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said.

The workers refuel planes for Wizz Air, Ryanair, Air China, China Southern, Malta Air, Turkish Airlines, Air Baltic, SkyAlps and Air Peace. The airlines transport between 7,000 and 8,000 Gatwick passengers per day.

They have rejected a 3.5 per cent offer from Menzies, which brought in record global revenues of $3 billion in 2025. Meanwhile, Shell reported profits of $6.92 billion in the first quarter of 2026.

The workers are asking for 4.5 per cent pay rise as well as for their overtime rate to brought into parity with other Menzies Gatwick workers. Currently the refuellers earn time and a third, compared to time and a half for all other Menzies staff at Gatwick.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Menzies can afford to pay workers fairly and it should pay them fairly. Unite is totally focused on improving our members’ jobs, pay and conditions and the workforce at Menzies have Unite’s total support.”

Menzies has also damaged industrial relations by putting forward the same offer repeatedly and using aggressive tactics to try and get workers to accept it.

The ballot for strike action closes on 11 August and any potential industrial action will begin shortly after.

Unite regional officer Ben Davis said: “Gatwick passengers will not be pleased that their summer getaways could be ruined because Menzies’ greed has resulted in their planes sitting on the tarmac. Strikes can still be avoided but Menzies needs to stop trying to strongarm our members and return with a decent offer.”

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.