Christmas strikes looming at London Southend Airport that could hit easyJet and Ryanair customers
PASSENGERS travelling through London Southend Airport this Christmas could face disruptions to their flights after workers vote to strike.
The walk-out could cause misery for travellers heading on holiday this festive season.
Members of trade union GMB voted today to strike due to Stobart Aviation, who own Southend Airport, failing to recognise the union, .
Other complaints included contract changes and pay disparities against other staff at the airport.
Gary Pearce, GMB Regional Organiser said in a statement: "Our members at Southend Airport who work in baggage handling, security, aircraft dispatch and flight operations have been raising their concerns with management in relation to the lack of staff, lack of protective clothing insufficient training, changes to their contracts and what they are paid compared to staff in other local airports for months.
"Stobart Aviation and Stobart Aviation Services failure to accept GMB members request to formally recognise their Union for the purpose of collective bargaining and all related matters has left our members with no alternative other than to take strike action over the Christmas holiday.
"Both Stobart Aviation Services and Stobart Aviation can prevent the travel chaos at Southend Airport by simply agreeing to provide GMB with a formal agreement."
However, Southend Airport has reassured passengers that they will not be affected by the strike.
A spokesperson from the airport told Sun Online Travel: "London Southend Airport has a comprehensive action plan in place to ensure that this suggested action from GMB does not impact on our passengers’ well-earned Christmas breaks."
Nearly one million passengers travel through London Southend Airport, with the majority of flights with easyJet and Ryanair.
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