Those jetting off overseas should always be prepared to brace themselves for large crowds and lengthy queues during the May half term (May 26-30). But if you’re planning to fly from London Gatwick during this period, it’s advisable to be extra prepared as staff strikes are poised to cause disruptions.
In the next few weeks, plane refuellers employed by Redline Oil Services Ltd and staff at Red Handling, including baggage handlers, check-in personnel and flight dispatchers, will stage a strike, with some dates of industrial action coinciding.
Here’s all you need to know about the strikes scheduled at Gatwick over May and June 2025.
When are the Gatwick strikes?
- Redline’s refuellers plan to strike during two periods: Friday May 16 to Tuesday May 20, and Friday May 23 to Tuesday May 27.
- Separate strikes at Red Handling, unrelated to those at Redline, are scheduled for May 11, 18 and 25 and June 2.
Why are Gatwick staff striking?
Unite, the union representing both groups of striking workers, has stated that employees are underpaid and mistreated, with general secretary Sharon Graham saying, “Workers at both companies have had enough of poor pay offers and appalling treatment from their employers and it is little surprise they are taking strike action. We will back our members at Red Handling and Redline all the way during these disputes.”
Red Handling is also facing accusations from Unite that workers are having problems with pensions, and that they struggle to take breaks. Unite also accuses the company of using union-busting tactics – which Red Handling denies (more on that below).
Which airlines will be affected?
Unite has predicted that the strikes will cause major delays and cancellations at Gatwick. Notably, Gatwick is the largest UK hub of easyJet. Refueling staff and ground workers are planning coordinated strike actions that could impact over 70% of the airline’s daily operations from the airport. The airport is also a big base for Ryanair.
A spokesperson for Easyjet said: ““Should any action go ahead, contingency plans that we have been advised are in place mean we do not expect any impact and our flying programme is currently planned to operate normally.”
Travellers can also expect to face long queues and delays and disruptions at check-in, so make sure to leave plenty of time ahead of when your flight’s due to take off.
Can I get compensation if a flight is affected by strikes?
Experts have warned that airlines aren’t obliged to offer financial compensation for delays caused by the strikes. Baggage handlers and flight dispatchers aren’t directly employed by airlines, so the strikes are considered an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ and out of their control.
Airlines are still obligated to take care of their passengers and should arrange refunds or alternative flights in the event of significant delays. They should also provide food and accommodation if necessary while passengers wait for a replacement flight.
What has Gatwick Airport said about the strikes?
A spokesperson for Gatwick stated: ‘We are aware of the proposed industrial action from Red Handling and Redline Oil, and are working closely with both parties, and our airlines, to minimise impacts to passengers. Of course, we hope Red Handling, Redline Oil and their unions can reach a resolution before then.”
An executive spokesperson for Red Handling said that the company is ‘committed to ensuring fair and equitable pay’ and strives to ‘ensure adequate breaks and downtime for our team, which go far beyond UK compliance requirements’.
The statement went on to say: “The atmosphere within the business is positive and we continue to work closely with our staff to embrace new and innovative ways to further boost morale. For example, we will be holding an appreciation event for all RED Handling team members later this month.
“While we have inherited a complex pensions scenario, which resulted in a small number of payments being delayed for a small number of staff, all contributions are now up to date. What’s more, we have voluntarily undertaken an internal audit on pay and benefits, which remains on track to conclude by Saturday 10 May. Throughout the process, staff have been kept fully up-to-date with progress and are aware of the associated timescales. We’re disappointed to hear claims of union busting tactics, having maintained open lines of communication with Unite representatives. This is categorically not the case.
“We always have, and always will, treat each and every team member – both represented and non-represented – with the utmost care and respect. Return to work processes following previous industrial action were conducted as per UK labour guidance, alongside robust welfare procedures. There have been no reports or internal complaints received about the mistreatment of staff.
“Furthermore, we disagree with comments made about the employment of agency workers to cover the recent series of strikes. Like many of our competitors, we use temporary staff to support our business in terms of high demand.”
“Finally, we would like to clarify that RED Handling and Redline Oil are not associated businesses, with the overlap in industrial action unrelated. Over the past few weeks, we are pleased to have resolved almost every point raised by Unite on behalf of our staff and have been very honest and transparent with our employees throughout. As a result, the number of staff that turned out to strike over the Easter Bank Holiday was far lower than expected.
“Having been advised of planned industrial action across four Sundays (commencing 11 May), we remain open to constructive dialogue to tackle any further concerns that Unite may have. While contingency plans are in place to prevent undue disruption, we feel confident on finding a resolution to prevent planned strike action.”
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