Luton airport workers to strike after rejecting John Menzies pay deal

Baggage handlers at Luton Airport have rejected a pay offer from John Menzies's aviation arm and have warned of plans to go on strike over the bank holiday.

The new pay offer was rejected by almost 80% of Menzies Aviation workers who took part in the ballot, as they felt it failed to recognise their hard work and the rising cost of living, union Unite said on Wednesday.

In order to try and avert industrial action planned by the baggage handlers from 0300 BST on Saturday 26 May until 1400 BST on Sunday 27 May, further pay negotiations will be held on Thursday.

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said Menzies needed to recognise workers’ hard work, processing 1.3m passengers' bags in April in what was the 15th month in a row the airport has clocked more than a million passengers.

"Baggage handlers at Luton Airport deserve a decent rate of pay for their contribution to the business,” Hodge said.