EasyJet passengers flying from London Luton Airport to major holiday destinations will face disruption as DHL check-in and baggage handling staff vote to strike for six days over Christmas.
The staff, outsourced to easyJet by DHL, operate on popular routes from Luton including to Spain and Germany.
Around 200 workers who are Unite members are taking action after rejecting the company’s latest offer of a 4.5% pay rise. Workers believe this doesn’t go far enough to address low pay rates at the airport.
“DHL and easyJet can comfortably afford to offer these workers an above-inflation pay rise,” said Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham. “It is shameful that hardworking members can’t afford the basics and they are paid less than their counterparts.”
Unite claims that DHL workers at Gatwick earn around £3 (US$3.60) for doing the same job as those at Luton.
In the second quarter of 2025, DHL Group’s operating profits increased by 5.7% to €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion). Meanwhile, easyJet expects profits of more than £700 million ($810 million) in the 12 months to September 2025.
Strikes will take place from 03:00 on Friday 19 December to 03:00 Monday 22 December. They will commence again from 03:00 on 26 December to 03:00 on Monday 29 December.
Unite estimates that the strike action will affect 410 easyJet flights.
“Strike action could still be avoided, but that now hinges on DHL returning to negotiations with an offer that is acceptable to our members,” said Unite regional officer, Jeff Hodge.
The Civil Aviation Authority expects this to be the busiest Christmas in UK aviation history.
