Luton Airport announce 49-day strike starting TODAY as security staff walk out for the third time this year
LUTON Airport security staff are to strike again for 49 days, with the walk-out starting today.
It is the third time they have been on strike this year.
The strike is due to disagreements between security and Luton Airport about new shift rotas, and is expected to last until July 23.
Union Unite claim that the new shift pattern, which would affect 120 security guards, means working an extra 15 days a week with less rest between shifts and only nine full weekends off a year.
Unite regional officer, Jeff Hodge said in a statement: "Security guards are determined to fight back against Luton Airport’s heavy-handed and antisocial shift changes.
"Management are trying to force staff to work for longer, with shorter breaks, while piling extra costs on the workforce.
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"The airport management have even callously cut the amount of free weekends workers get to spend with their friends and family.
"The airport needs to take responsibility for the staff shortages by doing what’s needed to recruit new staff rather than heaping all the burden on its workforce.
";The airport now faces disruption through most of June and July. This latest strike represents a significant failure on the part of management at Luton Airport.
"Workers would not be taking this action unless they had genuine and serious grievances. We hope the airport listens and works with Unite to resolve this dispute."
A Luton Aiport spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: "Previous walkouts by the same small number of Unite members have not caused any disruption and we would like to reassure passengers that it will be no different this time.
"Whilst we are disappointed Unite are continuing with their strike, we are pleased that Unite has finally agreed to meet with us and we remain committed to finding a resolution."
Staff went on strike over the first May Bank Holiday weekend for nearly two weeks, with walk outs between May 1 and May 5, as well as between May 7 and May 13.
Security staff then went on strike again from May 23 to June 3.
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