Workers assisting disabled passengers at London Stansted Airport are set to stage a Stansted Airport strike after rejecting what unions described as a minimal pay increase worth little more than “a tin of beans” per week.
More than 100 staff employed by facilities management firm ABM have voted to strike following a dispute over wages, with industrial action scheduled between 17 and 20 April.
The workers, responsible for providing assistance to passengers with reduced mobility, say the proposed pay deal fails to reflect the demands of their roles or the rising cost of living.
Union Rejects “Minimal” Pay Offer
The dispute has been led by Unite, which said the pay rise offered by ABM amounted to just 1p per hour in the first year, rising to between 2p and 3p per hour in subsequent years.
Union officials argued that this increase translates to only a negligible weekly gain, describing it as equivalent to the cost of a single tin of beans.
Sharon Graham criticised the offer, calling it one of the smallest pay increases workers had been presented with and accusing the company of imposing a real-terms pay cut.
She said employees would effectively have to work an entire week to afford even basic items under the proposed pay structure.
Workers Paid Below Living Wage
Unite said the majority of affected workers currently earn below the London Living Wage, which stands at £14.80 per hour.
The union warned that low wages, combined with increasing workloads, are placing significant pressure on staff at the airport.
Workers have also raised concerns about future conditions as Stansted continues to expand, potentially increasing passenger numbers and demand for assistance services.
Concerns Over Passenger Support Services
The strike is expected to affect services for passengers requiring special assistance, including elderly travellers and those with disabilities.
ABM said it is prioritising efforts to minimise disruption and ensure that passengers who rely on these services continue to receive support during the industrial action.
The company added that it remains open to ongoing negotiations to resolve the dispute.
Company Defends Pay Proposal
ABM rejected claims that the pay increase is insignificant, describing the offer as part of a structured and phased approach to improving wages over time.
A company spokesperson said the proposed deal was designed to deliver gradual increases in hourly rates rather than a one-off adjustment.
However, the company acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and said it was disappointed that strike action had been announced.
Rising Industrial Action in UK Aviation
The Stansted Airport dispute reflects broader tensions across the UK aviation sector, where workers have increasingly raised concerns over pay, working conditions and job security.
Airports have faced staffing challenges since the Covid-19 pandemic, with demand for travel rebounding sharply while recruitment and retention remain difficult.
Special assistance staff play a critical role in ensuring accessibility within airports, supporting passengers with mobility issues, visual impairments and other needs.
Cost of Living Pressures Driving Disputes
The dispute also highlights the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis across the UK, with workers in multiple sectors pushing for wage increases that keep pace with inflation.
Trade unions argue that low-paid workers are particularly vulnerable, as rising costs for food, housing and energy continue to outstrip wage growth.
Employers, meanwhile, have pointed to financial pressures and operational costs as factors limiting their ability to offer higher pay increases.
Negotiations Ongoing Ahead of Strike Dates
Talks between ABM and Unite are expected to continue in the coming days, with both sides under pressure to reach an agreement before the strike begins.
Union officials have said the dispute could be resolved quickly if the company returns with an improved offer that reflects workers’ responsibilities and living costs.
Unless a breakthrough is reached, disruption at Stansted Airport is expected during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.