Security workers strikes at Gatwick airport suspended after new pay offer

The strikes by security workers at Gatwick airport have been suspended on Wednesday after an improved pay offer was made, the Unite Union announced on its official Twitter account. The 130 members of Unite, the UK and Ireland's largest union, who are employed by International Consultants on Targeted Security (ICTS) (UK) to scan passengers' luggage for explosive materials and other dangerous and prohibited materials, were due to stage a 48 hour strike from 06:00 on Saturday 10 August until 06:00 on Monday 12 August with a further four day strike called to begin on Tuesday 20 August.

"The commitment by ICTS to become a #RealLivingWage employer is welcome and Unite will be applying pressure to other Gatwick employers to follow suit" Unite's Jamie Major ⬇️Gatwick security guards dispute suspended after improved pay offer https://t.co/FGudgStJaD pic.twitter.com/xP09d4yNuQ

— Unite the union (@unitetheunion) August 7, 2019

The union said following extremely productive pay talks held today (Wednesday 7 August) a dramatically improved pay offer has been made. The workers will now be balloted on the improved offer with a recommendation to accept. It further added that as part of the pay talks ICTS (UK) has made a commitment to become a fully accredited real living wage employer, the first company at Gatwick airport to make this breakthrough.

Unite regional officer Jamie Major said: "Today's pay talks were extremely productive and the new pay offer will be balloted on by members.

"The commitment by ICTS to become a real living wage employer is welcome and Unite will be applying pressure to other Gatwick employers to follow suit.

"Following this pay offer it is hoped that there will be more harmonious industrial relations with ICTS moving forward.