EasyJet staff at Luton Airport to strike over Christmas

EasyJet flights to major holiday destinations over the Christmas period could be delayed or cancelled after baggage handling and check-in staff at Luton Airport voted to go on strike.

Around 200 workers, who are members of the Unite union and who work on easyJet's Luton check-in desks and as baggage handlers, have rejected an offer of a 4.5 per cent pay rise from their employer, DHL, which outsources its staff to easyJet. They say the increase fails to address the sharp rise in the cost of living, including food, fuel and heating bills.

The union said DHL workers at Gatwick Airport earn around £3 an hour more for doing the same job. One worker said: "I was in debt from a previous low-paid job, but this hasn't ended as my pay isn't enough.

I have the same routine of dedicating myself to a job where I can only cover rent and food. I can't afford to save to give a better life to my child or spend enough time with my child." Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: "DHL and easyJet can comfortably afford to offer these workers an above-inflation pay rise.

It is shameful that hardworking members can't afford the basics and they are paid less than their counterparts. "These companies must stop putting profits over people and come back to the table with a fair pay offer to avoid this disruptive strike, which is entirely of their making." Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge echoed the call, warning the strike could still be avoided if DHL returns with a "sensible offer" that meets workers' needs.

The strike is scheduled to start at 3am on 19 December and continue until 3am on 22 December. It will then resume at 3am on Boxing Day and run until 3am on 29 December, covering two of the busiest travel weekends of the festive season.

If the strike goes ahead, hundreds of easyJet flights at the Bedfordshire airport are estimated to be disrupted over the six-day action. Read more:IT issue affects flights at Edinburgh AirportAirbus fleet returns to service after software issue An EasyJet spokesperson said: "We are disappointed to hear of the planned industrial action by Unite ground handlers employed by DHL at London Luton Airport on 19th to 21st and 26th to 28th December.

"Should this action go ahead, we will work closely with the airport and DHL to ensure that robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any disruption, so we are currently expecting to operate our full flying programme on these dates. In the meantime we urge DHL and Unite to reach an agreement as soon as possible." A DHL spokesperson said: "We are deeply disappointed that 57% of Unite members have voted in favour of industrial action at our London Luton Airport operation.

"Our current pay offer is above inflation and continues to build on four consecutive years of above-inflation pay increases. "We remain committed to constructive talks to reach a solution that recognises the value of our colleagues while safeguarding the long-term competitiveness of the operation.

"However, robust contingency plans are in place to minimise any potential disruption should the action go ahead." EasyJet passengers booked to fly from Luton during the affected period are being advised to check their flight status - and prepare for potential delays, cancellations or lengthy queues at check-in and baggage drop..