Workers employed by ABM at Stansted Airport are planning to go on strike in May following the rejection of a proposed pay increase. Approximately 100 ABM workers will engage in industrial action from May 3 to May 6, citing dissatisfaction with the pay offer they received. These workers play essential roles such as assisting passengers during boarding and disembarking from flights as well as guiding them through the airport.
Initially, a strike scheduled from April 17 to 20 was postponed to allow workers to vote on a revised pay offer. However, as the new offer failed to meet their expectations, the strike is now confirmed to proceed, with the Unite union labeling the situation as unacceptable.
According to Unite, ABM workers have taken on additional responsibilities due to the rise in passenger numbers and flight operations. The union highlighted that in January, Stansted Airport witnessed over 1.89 million passengers passing through, indicating a two percent increase from the previous year. Potential strikes are anticipated to cause flight delays as passenger boarding processes might be impacted.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, expressed support for the ABM employees, emphasizing their vital role at the airport and criticizing their low wages compared to the company’s significant profits. Unite reiterated that the industrial action by workers assisting passengers with disabilities at Stansted Airport will proceed as they have rejected a new pay offer.
The upcoming strike, set to occur during the first May bank holiday weekend, will involve around 100 ABM workers demanding better pay conditions. Many of these workers are reportedly earning below the London Living Wage threshold, despite ABM’s substantial profits. ABM UK, a prominent management company overseeing operational and maintenance activities in various large-scale facilities, has been contacted for comment by the Mirror.
