EasyJet food hit by strike action

HOLIDAYMAKERS travelling from Gatwick on easyJet and Tui flights have been warned they will have no access to food or drink in the coming weeks as catering staff go on strike.

The Unite union said a series of walkouts by airline provider dnata’s catering staff will take place from Friday April 26 in a dispute over the removal of a shift allowance which the union argued has cost workers between £1,500 and £2,000 each.

The union has also accused the Emirates Groupowned caterer of falsely claiming that it “agreed to the removal as part of a deal that saw the introduction of a night shift premium”.

“Strike action will intensify if the dispute is not resolved,” the union warned. It added that the lack of food and drink sales on strike days “will affect easyJet’s revenue as the sale of snacks and beverages on flights is a major income generator”.

Around 100 workers, including drivers and warehouse workers, will strike from Friday April 26 to Monday April 29; from Friday May 3 to Monday May 6; and from Friday May 10 to Monday May 13.

Dnata caters for several Gatwick-based airlines, including Tui and easyJet.

An easyJet spokesman said “we will be working with dnata to ensure contingency plans are in place for these dates should this action take place. We urge dnata and Unite to reach an agreement as soon as possible”.

Tui had not responded to a request for comment at the time of writing.

Dominic Rothwell, Unite regional officer, urged dnata to “rapidly return to talks with Unite”.

Dnata UK said: “We are surprised and disappointed by the premature statement issued by trade union Unite regarding a proposed indus- trial action at London Gatwick airport, stemming from a single point of disagreement where consensus has yet to be reached. We remain committed and open to constructive dialogue.”